In Hollywood today, there is no such thing as an original idea. So, in place of original screenplays and new franchises, studios look to reboot classic and beloved films. What film is more classic and beloved than The Wizard of Oz? I believe that this film could perhaps bring back a sense of nostalgia to an older generation while introducing a whole new generation to one of the greatest films of all time, and there has to be a perfect cast for such a project! So without further ado, here is my cast for a modern group of misfits that are off to see the wonderful Wizard of Oz.
Dorothy Gale: Katelyn Nacon
You may recognize Katelyn Nacon from the biggest show on the planet right now, The Walking Dead. While she does a fantastic job as the angsty teenager Enid, I think that she could also show her range by playing the innocent and fearless Dorothy. She is 17, the same age that Judy Garland was when she played Dorothy, and actually just put out her own EP, so it’s safe to say that she can sing the part as well. Young talent is always hard to find, so a star of one of the biggest TV shows ever could certainly hold up to the expectations of her part.
The Scarecrow: Ryan Gosling
After seeing Ryan Gosling do a spoof of the Scarecrow for a Saturday Night Live! skit, I thought he was perfect for the real deal. His impression of the character is spot-on, and he has the skinny stature required for the role. While it was only meant as a joke, if you’ve ever seen him play the character, you know he could be the real deal in a film that is supposed to be cheesy and innocent.
The Cowardly Lion: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Probably the most intimidating actor out there, and while he has all of those muscles, The Rock is also a comedic treasure. It would be hilarious to see a man this big and scary cower over a small dog such as Toto, and he has proved that doing anything comedic is a big box office draw. Not only is he built and hilarious, but Johnson can also sing and dance, making him the complete package for a role like this.
The Tin Man: Neil Patrick Harris
NPH is perfect to complete this trifecta of comedy, and having been on Broadway off and on for years, he is ideal for a movie like this. No one is more family friendly than the overall lovable Neil Patrick Harris, and he has the correct skill set and acting prowess to perform excellently in a classic musical like this. It doesn’t take much to pull of playing The Tin Man, and a terrific actor like Harris could add so much to the character.
The Wicked Witch: Meryl Streep
Meryl Streep has experience playing witches, doing so in Into the Woods, and has long been a member of the acting elite both in film and on stage. She can obviously sing, and of course she is intimidating enough to play the Wicked Witch of the West. Streep has been around for forever, and role like this in one of the most well known movies of all time is practically meant to be.
Oz: Ian McKellen
When it comes to wizards, no one is more ideal than Gandalf himself. I think that McKellan can pull of the initial intimidating nature of Oz when the group first meets him, and of course be the simple, sweet person that the “wizard” turns out to be. When it comes to ranged actors, McKellen is on top of the list, and a familiar face like is would be amazing to see as the wonderful Wizard of Oz.
