‘Wizard Of Oz’ Sequel In Development From ‘Heroes’ Creator

A TV sequel to the classic film The Wizard of Oz is currently in development.

Although author Danielle Paige’s young adult novel Dorothy Must Die hasn’t been published yet, this isn’t stopping the CW from developing a series based on the story. The book is scheduled to hit bookstores next year.

According to Deadline, the network is currently developing the Wizard of Oz TV sequel with Heroes creator Tim Kring at the helm. Adam Armus and Nora Kay Foster, who also worked on the NBC show, will adapt the novel for the small screen.

Paige’s book takes a somewhat different approach to the original material. Set approximately 80 years after the events found in the original story, Dorothy Must Die finds the youthful heroine still living in the world of Oz. Unfortunately, she now rules the entire land with an iron fist.

In order to make sure her orders are carried out, she enlists the help of Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion. Another young woman from Kansas must stop the wicked ruler from destroying the land. In other words, this isn’t your mom and dad’s Wizard of Oz.

However, the CW isn’t the only network in town looking to cash in on the property. CBS is currently working on a medical drama that’s loosely inspired by Dorothy’s adventures in Oz. Ghost Whisperer alum Emily Fox will handle scripting duties on the proposed series.

The folks at SyFy are also working on a Wizard of Oz-inspired tale of their very own. Warriors of Oz, which is spearheaded by acclaimed Russian director Timur Bekmambetov, is in development at the cable network.

“A warrior from present day Earth [who] is transported to a post-apocalyptic future Oz where he must team up with three other warriors, Heartless, Brainless, and Coward, in order to defeat the evil Wizard who has enslaved the land,” the official plot synopsis reads.

What do you think about the Wizard of Oz TV sequel that’s currently in the works at the CW? Are you looking forward to Danielle Paige’s novel Dorothy Must Die?

[Image via Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]