A Dark Spin on The Wizard of Oz is a Must-See

Wicked’s Magic Revives Oz Fever: A Darker Side of the Yellow Brick Road

With the theatrical release of Wicked, audiences are diving back into the world of Oz. This musical transformation of Gregory Maguire’s novel is casting a fresh spell on fans. An increased interest in the Oz universe is palpable. Sales of Maguire’s original book have soared, and his prequel, Elphie, is due for release in March. Meanwhile, the classic 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz, graces television screens once again. Amidst this resurgence, a forgotten adaptation emerges from the shadows, begging to be rediscovered by those craving a darker twist on the tale.

Emerald City’s Gritty Reality

In 2017, NBC unveiled Emerald City, a series that reimagined Oz with a contemporary edge. Created by Matthew Arnold and Josh Friedman, it painted L. Frank Baum’s world with much darker strokes. Dorothy Gale, played by Adria Arjona, transitions from a Kansas nurse to a reluctant heroine on a quest in Oz. But this is no ordinary journey. Unbeknownst to her, she’s set to complete a prophecy that weaves through the fates of all she meets.

Emerald City takes familiar faces and places them in unsettling contexts. The Scarecrow, played by Oliver Jackson-Cohen, isn’t heartwarming. Instead, he is an amnesiac found crucified. A Wizard loyalist is crafted by merging Omby Amby and the Cowardly Lion into Eamonn, enacted by Mido Hamada. Throughout, Vincent D’Onofrio’s Wizard harbors lethal intentions toward Dorothy. Violence and betrayal penetrate the storyline, including a chilling moment when Dorothy outsmarts a resurrected Wicked Witch of the East. And this chilling sequence barely scratches the surface of Oz’s dark revelations.

Emerald City Vanishes into the Night

Despite its bold narrative, Emerald City struggled to captivate a substantial audience. Critics lamented a muddled blend of Oz and Game of Thrones, concluding with a meager 38% on Rotten Tomatoes. Viewer participation slumped, marking it one of NBC’s least-watched ventures. Its conception was plagued by creative disputes with the initial showrunner, Josh Friedman, further dimming its prospects. Despite these hurdles, all ten episodes can still be streamed on Peacock for those curious about Oz’s sinister corridors.

Exploring Other Dark Oz Interpretations

For fans seeking additional dark trajectories through Oz, alternatives are available. The 1985 film Return to Oz by Walt Disney Pictures is one such journey. It unofficially picks up six months post the 1939 film’s events, with Dorothy returning to a conquered Oz. Fairuza Balk, making her film debut, portrays Dorothy in this darker iteration. While initially a box office flop, its faithful rendering of Baum’s work later gained cult status. With a more serious tone than its predecessor, this forgotten gem is now available on Disney+.

Wicked’s enchanting run in theatres beckons those nostalgic for Oz—and for those fascinated by its shadows, these other adaptations offer a thrilling, if darker, path down the yellow brick road.