The life of Robert Downey Jr. is one of praise, promise and tragedy...
This was one of the reasons that he was so right to play the role of Tony Stark. He was inspired casting that made a film about Sherlock Holmes a huge money juggernaut. And if he accepts the role of the man who was a charlatan from Kansas that winds up becoming the ruler of the Emerald City of Oz... the Wizard? That's brilliant. Really.
For those that don't know, Downey Jr. is being courted to play the lead in the Mitchell Kapner scripted/Joe Roth produced "Oz, The Great and Powerful," which will likely be made by Disney. Perhaps it could be announced at Rich Ross' big public event tomorrow?
Word is that Sam Mendes and Adam Shankman are up for the role of director. Each one would offer a much different tone in terms of interpretation of the material. Mendes seems to be the one that would have a feeling akin to "Something Wicked This Way Comes." Shankman with his "Hairspray" credentials would provide a much lighter tone. Me? I would tend to go the Mendes route and word is that he is the producers first choice for the job. Interesting times down the Yellow Brick Road, huh?
This would make the Mouse's first travels down that road since "Return to Oz," I believe. Strangely, Disney has owned the rights to all of L. Frank Braum's series of books, except for "The Wizard of Oz." And now they could/would create a story that is a prequel to that book? Now, I don't know if they still have those rights or if they've expired, but they did own them through the Eighties. I don't know if Eisner made another mistake by getting rid of them like he did "The Lone Ranger." Properties such as this should be held on to. Of course, let's hope that Sony doesn't follow my advice with "Spider-Man" or Iger will never get to make a film under one of Disney's labels.
We're off to see the Wizard...
