Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way Joins New ‘Wizard of Oz’ Project

Leonardo DiCaprio’s production company, Appian Way, is partnering with Verdi Productions and Danny Strong to create a documentary about the making of the classic film, “The Wizard of Oz.” The project, titled “Oz,” is currently in production under the direction of Tom Donahue, as first reported by Variety.

I’m really excited to hear the filmmakers are going back and exploring how they made ‘Gone With the Wind’ back in 1939. I’m especially curious to learn about all the hurdles they had to overcome during production – it must have been incredibly difficult!

The documentary, as described to Variety, will examine the challenges faced by the original creators of “The Wizard of Oz,” like director Victor Fleming and Judy Garland. It will also show how the film became a beloved cultural icon and continues to impact us today.

The filmmakers plan to share previously unseen recordings and footage, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of the Hollywood studio during the making of the film and the creative challenges they overcame. “The Wizard of Oz” has continued to influence popular culture, inspiring numerous adaptations and works like the Broadway musical “Wicked.”

The new documentary is a collaboration between Appian Way and Verdi Productions, marking their fourth project together. According to Chad A. Verdi, they are excited to continue working with Appian Way, and this film explores the fascinating and largely untold story behind the making of the classic movie, ‘The Wizard of Oz’.

I’m so excited about “Oz”! A lot of talented people are working on it – Donahue, Ilan Arboleda, DiCaprio, Verdi, and Danny Strong are all involved, and I know they’re going to make something amazing.

The project also includes contributors from Appian Way and Verdi Productions. Producer Strong expressed his enthusiasm, stating that it’s a tremendous honor to share the story behind such an influential film. He also highlighted his excitement about collaborating with Leonardo DiCaprio, Appian Way, and Chad Verdi, calling the group a ‘dream team’ for this unique story.

“Oz” is expected to be released in 2026.

Read More

2025-11-19 21:45