Disney to Release OZ Film in March 2013

According to ComingSoon.net, Disney plans to release 'Oz, the Great and Powerful', a prequel to 'The Wizard of Oz,' in March 2013. Set to star in the film are previously reported Michelle Williams, James Franco, Mila Kunis and Rachel Weisz.

As previously announced, Sam Raimi is confirmed to direct Disney's highly anticipated film. The deal was confirmed by Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Last January, Raimi left the Sony Pictures production of 'Spider-Man 4'. His absence from the movie leaves room for work on 'Oz'.

The story of 'Oz: The Great and Powerful', follows the future wizard, a circus wrangler in the real world, as he is carried away to the magical land by a tornado. The people who live there mistake him for a powerful being and thus, a legend is born. Studio heads, Rich Ross and Sean Bailey, are predicting major success for 'Oz' similar to the high-grossing hit, 'Alice in Wonderland'.

Sam Raimi has directed several horror films such as the Evil Dead series and Drag Me To Hell. Raimi is perhaps best known as Director of the Spider-Man films. Additionally, he has produced the TV series Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and Xena: Warrior Princess. A musical version of the film Evil Dead opened Off-Broadway on November 1, 2006 at New World Stages. The musical enjoyed a healthy run, closing on February 17, 2007. Several regional theatres continue to perform Raimi's, Evil Dead.