The Countdown Is On: "Oz The Great And Powerful" Due In March 2013

DETROIT (WWJ) – Ever wondered what went on in the land of Oz before Dorothy and Toto came along? How did the Wizard of Oz become the Wizard of Oz?

Those questions will be answered in the highly-anticipated, upcoming film "Oz The Great and Powerful," directed by former Detroiter Sam Raimi.

"Oz The Great and Powerful," filmed in Detroit, imagines the origins of L. Frank Baum's beloved character, the Wizard of Oz. A synopsis from the studio reads:

When Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a small-time circus magician with dubious ethics, is hurled away from dusty Kansas to the vibrant Land of Oz, he thinks he's hit the jackpot—fame and fortune are his for the taking—that is until he meets three witches, Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel Weisz) and Glinda (Michelle Williams), who are not convinced he is the great wizard everyone's been expecting. Reluctantly drawn into the epic problems facing the Land of Oz and its inhabitants, Oscar must find out who is good and who is evil before it is too late. Putting his magical arts to use through illusion, ingenuity—and even a bit of wizardry—Oscar transforms himself not only into the great and powerful Wizard of Oz but into a better man as well.

"Oz The Great and Powerful" is produced by Joe Roth and written by Mitchell Kapner and David Lindsay-Abaire (credit not final). Grant Curtis, Philip Steuer and Palak Patel are serving as executive producers. "Oz The Great and Powerful" opens in U.S. theaters on March 8, 2013.

Check out the official trailer here and I'll see you at the movies!

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