Oz: The Great And Powerful - Gets A Start Date!

Word is out that Oz: The Great and Powerful has s filming start date of June 2011.

The word is that Robert Downey Jr. is "this close" to being officially named to the cast as the Wizard. And rumors are still swirling that Sam Raimi will be on board to direct the movie and has outwardly expressed his interest in the project.

With a start date picked by the studio it shouldn't be long now until we start hearing confirmed hirings for Oz: The Great and Powerful.

I'll be paying attention. Come back for all the information that I can find.

Oz: The Great And Powerful - Downey Jr. Speaks!

Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. was asked about his involvement with Oz: The Great and Powerful over the weekend while was at the Gene Siskel Film Center to receive his Renaissance Award.

He wasn't concrete in his answer but he did make it sound like he'll be playing the man behind the curtain, before there was a curtain.

He also helped to confirm that Sam Raimi is going to be directing the movie saying that he will "hook up with Sam and see what he thinks."

It may still be a while before production on Oz: The Great and Powerful gets underway. But having a director and star on board is a good start.

Stay tuned for more information as Hollywood lets it slip out.

Oz: The Great And Powerful

It's been a long time (almost 70 years) since The Wizard of Oz hit the silver screen and now we're going to get the story of the man behind the curtain.

Robert Downey Jr. is rumoured to play the man who became the wizard in the story that will show us how a balloon accident brought the man from Omaha to Oz and set up the tales that we already know.

It is also being reported that Disney has offered the directorial reigns to Sam Raimi (Spider-Man, A Simple Plan). It has not been made clear as to whether or not Raimi has much interest in the project, but it looks like it's his to take if he wants it.

So far, Oz: The Great And Powerful is in the scripting stages and looks to be either a late 2012 or 2013 release.

Stay tuned for more info as I can get it.


Robert Downey Jr. is set to star in Oz: The Great And Powerful