Bringing the Wizard of Oz to Life: Dream Cast for the Emerald City TV Series

Imagine the classic tale of The Wizard of Oz reborn for contemporary audiences, where familiar characters take on new forms and storylines. What if luminaries from today's entertainment world were cast as the beloved characters? This concept came alive in Tarsem Singh's 2017 television series, Emerald City.

Origins and Inspiration

The 10-episode series delves into the origins of Emerald City's main characters, including the addition of Princess Ozma, a character who was not present in the original novel by L. Frank Baum or the 1939 MGM film. This setting allowed viewers to explore how these characters would fit into the world we cherish from the movie.

The Dream Cast

One of the standout elements of the series was its casting choices. Here are some of the key roles and the actors who brought them to life:

The Wizard

A familiar face in the wizard’s role was Vince D’Onofrio, known for his commanding presence in both House of Cards and Law Order: Special Victims Unit. D’Onofrio added a layer of gravitas to the wizard, ensuring that the character remained both mysterious and authoritative.

Dorothy Gale

Adria Arjona, the seasoned actress from True Detective and NHL 19, and Fortnite, took on the role of Dorothy. Despite her more discerning and experienced role, she was able to convey the essence of Dorothy’s curiosity and bravery. Her portrayal allowed viewers to see that Dorothy's journey was just as impactful, regardless of her initial character design.

Scarecrow

Oliver Jackson Cohen, recognized for his roles in Dexter and Transparent, played Scarecrow. Initially introduced as a crucified soldier, it was a masterful move to reveal that he was in fact the Scarecrow. His transformation from a soldier to a member of Oz's royal court added depth to the character, highlighting his personal journey and growth.

Cowardly Lion

Eamonn was played by Mido Hamada, known for his roles in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Kyrie Irving: Impossible Shots. Eamonn revealed that he would become the Cowardly Lion, a role that added a layer of vulnerability and courage to the character. Hamada’s portrayal humanized the lion, making him relatable and approachable.

Tin Woodman

Jack, played by Gerran Howell, was originally a young boy who eventually transformed into the Tin Woodman. Howell’s portrayal allowed for a compelling storyline, highlighting the struggles and pain that Jack endured to become a member of Oz's elite.

Cardinal Witches

The three cardinal witches were particularly memorable, each played by notable actresses who brought unique energy to the roles:

North

Joely Richardson, best known for her role in Bridgerton, played the North, a powerful witch. Her commanding presence and commanding voice added a sense of awe to the character.

East

Florence Kasumba, renowned for her performances in Black Panther and Chicago 8, brought an air of elegance and confidence to the character of the East witch. Her stunning portrayal made her a standout role in the series.

West

Ana Ularu, a powerful entertainer famous for her performances in The Greatest Showman and Najla, played the conflicted West witch. Her performance was a highlight, as her character's conflicted nature and fiery passion made her a mesmerizing presence throughout the series.

Production Details

Emerald City was filmed in scenic locations across Europe, including Croatia, Hungary, and Spain. The production prided itself on its set design, with reference to the famous works of Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí. The set design in Barcelona included elements reminiscent of Gaudí's unique architectural style, bringing a distinct visual appeal to the series.

The attention to detail in the set design and filming locations contributed to the overall immersive experience, allowing viewers to be transported to the magical world of Oz.

Conclusion

The reimagining of The Wizard of Oz in Emerald City series introduced a new dimension to the classic tale. With a diverse and talented cast and stunning visual effects, the series brought the characters to life, rejuvenating the story for contemporary audiences. Fans of the original tale will appreciate the depth and nuance added to each character's backstory, while newcomers to the story will be enchanted by the rich world created in Emerald City.

For those interested in seeing the series, it is available for streaming on platforms such as Peacock. Dive into the magical world of Oz with this fresh and innovative take on an iconic story.