Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way Teams Up For Upcoming The Wizard of Oz Project
Leonardo DiCaprio’s company Appian Way is joining Verdi Productions and Danny Strong to create a new documentary about how “The Wizard of Oz” was made.
Variety reported that the film is titled “Oz” and is already being filmed. Tom Donahue, known for past documentary work, is directing the project.
The documentary will revisit the long and difficult process behind the 1939 movie. It will look at what the cast and crew faced during filming and how the movie eventually became one of the most loved films ever made.
According to the filmmakers, they plan to include rare footage and audio that has never been released before. The goal is to show how the film was put together during a tough period in Hollywood and why it still has such a strong impact today.
The original movie inspired more versions over the years, including stage shows and the hit musical “Wicked.” It was also one of the early films to use advanced color camera technology for its time, which helped make it visually unique. A new digital restoration was recently shown at the Sphere in Las Vegas.
This is the fourth time Appian Way and Verdi Productions have worked together. Chad A. Verdi said the two companies share the same approach to storytelling.
He said, “‘The Wizard of Oz’ is a beloved classic, but the behind-the-scenes history of its making is even more extraordinary, and has yet to be fully told until now.”
Danny Strong also spoke about the project. He said, “To get to tell the creation of one of the most important works of art in the history of international cinema is an incredible honor… To be producing with Leonardo DiCaprio, Appian Way and their longtime collaborator Chad Verdi, truly makes this a dream team to tell this dream of a story.”
Producers on the film include Donahue, Ilan Arboleda, DiCaprio, Verdi, Strong, and several others connected to Appian Way and Verdi Productions. “Oz” is planned for release in 2026.
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