Concept Art and Character Designs for the CGI Animated DOROTHY OF OZ
Dorothy of Oz is a CGI animated feature film being developed that serves as a sequel to the original Wizard of Oz story. While this film is under construction, Sam Raimi is currently preparing to shoot his OZ prequel film, OZ, The Great and Powerful. This new CGI project sounds like it's going to be pretty cool.
In the story, Dorothy returns to Kansas to find it devastated by the tornado that had whisked her away to the magical land of Oz. The home she had been so desperate to return to is no longer; the townspeople, with nowhere to turn, are packing up and moving out. However, before Dorothy can even begin to react to or resist this change, she is transported back to Oz in a giant rainbow. Oz is in trouble, and the people there need her help: Dorothy's old friends the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion have disappeared, and the land is in a state of decay. As Dorothy journeys to find her friends, she encounters a number of new companions and problems, including a man made of marshmallows who can't think for himself, a china doll princess whose bossiness is a cover for her fragility, and a tugboat with as many personalities as he has pieces. Dorothy must help this odd group band together against a wicked jester who thinks all of Oz should be under his control. In doing so, she learns, along with the others, that the group is stronger than the individual, and that if they only work together, people can do anything a valuable lesson for her to bring back with her to Kansas.
The movie is being directed by Daniel St. Pierre, and has a great cast of voice actors that include Lea Michele, Martin Short, Dan Aykroyd, Kelsey Grammer, Jim Belushi, Oliver Platt and Patrick Stewart. The movie is reportedly scheduled for release in April, 2012.
Here's a collection of concept art and character designs from the the new film which is set to be released in April, 2012. Check out the images below and let us know what you think!
You can find more information on this film at the official website.
Dan Aykroyd
Dan Aykroyd voices the Scarecrow, which in the new film has been appointed the new ruler of Oz. The Oscar nominated actor is no stranger to animated features, having provided the voice of Chip in the 1998 animated hit, Antz.
The Scarecrow
The film is based on the book Dorothy of Oz by Roger Stanton Baum, great grandson of L. Frank Baum, who wrote the original Wonderful Wizard of Oz book, and features now classic characters like the Scarecrow.
China County Gates
Seth Engstrom, who worked as a visual concepts artist on Avatar and was an illustrator for Alice in Wonderland, is the concept artist for Dorthy of Oz, which features spectacular backdrops like this vibrant illustration of the China Country Gates.
Kelsey Grammer
Former Fraiser star Kelsey Grammer lends his voice as the Tin Man
The Tin Man
A preview of the Tin Man in the new Dorothy of Oz film, which is produced in state-of-the-art CG animation -- a good medium to further explore the world of Oz.
Emerald City Hall
As world famous as London, Paris and NYC, the Emerald City is set in the center of Oz. The famous locale gets a spectacular update in Dorothy of Oz from director Dan St. Pierre, who has worked as a story artist on a number of Disney classics, including Aladdin, Lion King and Beauty and the Beast.
Hugh Dancy
Hugh Dancy (voice of Marshall Mallow) gets to work in the upcoming musical, currently in the animation stage and will be completed by late 2011.
Marshal Mallow
Marshal Mallow, voiced by Hugh Dancy, is among the new Oz characters appearing in the film.
Flood Bank
Produced by Summertime Entertainment, which is led by Ryan and Roland Carroll, Dorothy of Oz features spectacular visuals like the flood bank.
Lea Michele
Glee star Lea Michele goes behind the microphone as Dorothy in the musical, which will feature original songs by Bryan Adams, Jim Dooley and Tift Merritt.
Dorothy and the Wizard
Dorothy and the Jester meet in this exclusive preview of the new Dorothy of Oz movie.
