Leonardo DiCaprio Producing New Documentary Pulling Back the Curtain on THE WIZARD OF OZ
A new deep dive into one of Hollywood’s most iconic productions is on the way, and it has some powerhouse talent behind it. Leonardo DiCaprio and his Appian Way banner are teaming with Chad A. Verdi’s Verdi Productions and Danny Strong to produce Tom Donahue’s documentary Oz, which explores the creation of the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz.
The project is already in production and aims to give fans a fresh, revealing look at how the legendary movie came together.
Oz sets out to chronicle the famously turbulent journey behind the camera during the making of The Wizard of Oz. According to the film’s description, the production “tested the limits of its creators,” including director Victor Fleming and star Judy Garland, and the documentary will explore why the film still stands as a timeless cinematic achievement.
DiCaprio expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying: “The Wizard of Oz remains deeply embedded in our culture, and its impact continues to resonate today. We’re fortunate to have the chance to tell the story, and to do it alongside Danny Strong, Chad Verdi, and the team at Verdi Productions.”
Donahue plans to use never before seen or heard footage and audio to shed new light on how the classic was shaped during the height of the Hollywood studio era.
The film will also cover why the movie’s influence continues to ripple through modern entertainment. The original Wizard of Oz has spawned sequels, stage productions, and massive hits such as the Broadway phenomenon and film adaptation of Wicked.
The 1939 film was also produced using the cutting edge three strip Technicolor 35mm camera of its time, and a newly restored digital version even screened at the Sphere in Las Vegas last August.
At the Variety 120 Screening Series, critic Leonard Maltin shared his own perspective on why The Wizard of Oz still captures audiences of all ages.
“You have to know you’re facing utter perfection,” Maltin said. “It was a very expensive movie to make, and it shows. It was very difficult to make their investment back. And it only turned a profit through re reissuing to theaters and then ultimately being sold to television, which is where it took root in our popular culture.”
Verdi emphasized how meaningful this new project is by saying: “We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Appian Way and collaborate on our fourth production together. Both companies are united by a shared commitment of telling meaningful and captivating stories. 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.”
Strong shared his excitement about the team bringing the documentary to life, stating: “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, and it couldn’t be in better hands than with filmmakers Tom Donahue and Ilan Arboleda.
“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.”
Oz is set to premiere in 2026, promising an in depth look at a movie that continues to inspire filmmakers, fans and dreamers nearly a century later.
Source: Variety