In 2024, Jon M. Chu’s movie adaptation of Wicked made a huge splash, and because of this, another musical spinoff of The Wizard of Oz should also get its time in the sun. Released at the end of last year, Wicked took audiences by storm, earning $752 million at the box office and scoring an 87% critics score and a 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Now, viewers are patiently awaiting the movie’s sequel, Wicked: For Good, but in the meantime, they should consider checking out another Wizard of Oz musical that came out 50 years earlier.

Without a doubt, Wicked has a unique concept, but it isn’t the only story that is deeply inspired by L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Originally published as a book by Gregory Maguire, Wicked tells the story of Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West who grows up facing incredible prejudice due to her skin color, and begins attending a magic school called Shiz. Clearly, Wicked takes the prequel route when adapting The Wizard of Oz, but there is another spinoff that goes in a completely different (yet equally amazing) direction.

Wicked’s Success Proves The Wiz Deserves A Cinematic Remake

The Wiz Explained

In 1974, decades before the development of Wicked, there was another Wizard of Oz musical spinoff that entered Broadway: The Wiz. This musical reimagines The Wizard of Oz, but with an all-Black cast. In The Wiz, 24-year-old school teacher Dorothy Gale lives in Harlem with her aunt and uncle, and one night, follows her dog Toto into a snowstorm and finds herself transported into the world of Oz. Along with boasting new versions of Baum’s beloved characters, the musical also includes new music. In 1978, it was adapted into a movie starring Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Richard Pryor, and more.

Fast-forward to 2024, there is no doubt that Wicked has been a mᴀssive success, and because of this, it could be the perfect time for The Wiz to also make its comeback. With interest in The Wizard of Oz high, The Wiz may be as intriguing to audiences as Wicked, despite their different storylines. It would also make sense to remake The Wiz since the original movie adaptation came out so long ago, and was panned by many critics. If The Wiz were to be remade, it could redeem itself and keep the post-Wicked excitement alive.

Why The Wiz Works As A Unique Counter To Wicked

The Wiz Is Eternally Relevant

Aside from just sharing similar subject matter, The Wiz also acts as an interesting counterpoint to Wicked. Through Elphaba’s character, Wicked shows how Oz is full of prejudice, specifically against people and creatures who are deemed to be too different. Elphaba and Glinda’s relationship represents the power of friendship and understanding. In a similar vein, The Wiz uses The Wizard of Oz’s world and characters to showcase the Black experience, and the effect slavery and displacement had on Black individuals. In this way, Wicked and The Wiz tackle very similar issues, just through different lenses.

A remake of The Wiz would not only add to the conversation Wicked has recently started, but it would also be culturally relevant. Even 50 years after the musical’s premiere, the issue of racism in America is still critical. With some polishing, The Wiz could easily present these same problems for a more modern audience. On top of that, this type of project is a far better representation of Black characters than other remakes, which change a character’s race just for the sake of it. The Wiz is real representation made specifically to highlight racial issues.

Now Is The Perfect Time For A Movie Based On The Wiz

The Wiz’s Cast Could Be Outstanding

Really, now is the perfect time to remake The Wiz. Following the hype generated by Wicked, The Wiz could keep audiences’ interest in the world of The Wizard of Oz alive. More than that, the movie has a serious story to tell that is particularly important in this day and age. This is a meaningful time to remake a film with such important themes. Finally, interest in movie musicals seems to be increasing, and The Wiz could easily capitalize on the success of films like Wicked, West Side Story, In The Heights, and more.

One last plus would be casting a modern version of The Wiz. The 1978 cast of The Wiz was incredibly iconic, with mᴀssive music icons like Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. Wicked has actually followed this trend with actors like Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. In 2025, a similar cast could definitely be put together for The Wiz, which would help increase the hype to an even higher degree. All in all, a door has opened for The Wiz due to Wicked’s success, and hopefully, Hollywood will take this opportunity.