James Franco (127 Hours) is in talks to star in Oz, the Great and Powerful, Disney’s fantastical take on The Wizard of Oz tale.
While Robert Downey Jr (Due Date) and Johnny Depp (Rango) were both attached at various points of development, Franco now appears to be the frontrunner.
Oz, the Great and Powerful is prequel to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, told from the point of view of the Wizard. It tells how the Wizard arrived in Oz and how he became the ruler.
Sam Raimi (Spider-Man) will direct.
Franco can currently be seen in Danny Boyle’s 127 Hours, and will co-host the 83rd Academy Awards ceremony alongside Anne Hathaway (Love and Other Drugs) on February 27.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
