Barris is best known as the creator of Black-ish. Just last month, it was announced that Barris would be directing The Wizard of Oz remake. Though there have been numerous adaptations of Frank L. Baum’s fantasy series, the most well-known is the 1939 film adaptation, which was famously filmed in color and remains iconic to this day. Other adaptations of Baum’s work exist, but most other adaptations choose to riff on the visuals present in the 1939 version.

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Speaking to Variety, Barris discussed the ethos of his adaptation. Barris pointed out that the original film was a reflection and allegory of the world in which it was made, which included then-contemporary events like the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. Barris, therefore, felt that a modern retelling should include LGBT+ characters. “Now we’re going to turn a mirror on where we’re at right now and take disparate characters from the LGBTQ community, from different cultural communities and socioeconomic communities, and tell a story that reflects the world," he said. “I think this is the best time to do that.”

Barris also confessed to being anxious about the impact and longevity of his adaptation and joked that he hoped that the film would come out. This is probably a reference to Warner Bros., who is distributing Barris’ film, and their recent Batgirl cancellation. Barris said to Variety, “I’m nervous. Hopefully, my movie can last as long as the original does. Hopefully my movie comes out.”

Given the near-hundred-year-long legacy of 1939’s The Wizard of Oz, Barris is possibly right to be cautious. Numerous adaptations have come and gone in those years, and very few have come close to reaching the heights of that version. The fact that Barris is willing to do something different with the material is probably a good sign, as riffing off of the old film can only take the creative direction so far.

The Wizard of Oz has long been a cultural touchstone of the LGBT+ community as well. To be a “friend of Dorothy” was slang for being gay throughout the 20th century, and other adaptations like Wicked, whose film version recently tapped Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo to star, have specifically featured plenty of LGBT+ characters and subtext within their stories. Barris’ version of The Wizard of Oz will be the latest to add to that legacy.

The Wizard of Oz remake is in development.

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Source: Variety