LOS ANGELES - Hollywood is heading back down the Yellow Brick Road. Leonardo DiCaprio, through his Appian Way banner, has signed on to produce a major new documentary exploring the creation, legacy, and cultural impact of the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz. Simply titled “Oz,” the feature-length documentary is set for a 2026 release and promises to shed new light on one of the most enduring films in American history.
Reported by Allan R. Ellenberger for The Hollywoodland Revue
Directed by acclaimed documentarian Tom Donahue, the project aims to dive deep into the world behind the Technicolor fantasy that transformed Judy Garland, redefined MGM’s musical output, and reshaped the visual imagination of the 20th century. Donahue and his team are assembling newly uncovered archival materials, unseen footage, rare behind-the-scenes photographs, and interviews that trace the film’s journey from L. Frank Baum’s pages to Munchkinland’s soundstages.
DiCaprio joins forces with producers Danny Strong, Chad A. Verdi, and Verdi Productions, all of whom have expressed a desire to craft the most comprehensive documentary ever made about the landmark film. Their approach goes beyond nostalgia: the aim is to contextualize The Wizard of Oz as a cultural phenomenon, examining how its imagery, music, and mythmaking have
influenced generations of filmmakers, performers, and audiences. Even today—more than 85 years after its debut—lines like “There’s no place like home” and “We’re not in Kansas anymore” remain part of the global lexicon.
The timing of the documentary aligns with renewed public interest in all things Oz. A new series of stage adaptations, anniversary retrospectives, and discussions surrounding MGM’s legacy have put the original film back into the spotlight. With DiCaprio’s involvement—a major Hollywood figure lending his weight to a classic Hollywood subject—the documentary is poised to reach both cinephiles and general audiences.
“Oz” is expected to trace the full arc of the movie’s creation: the turbulent casting decisions, the revolving door of directors, the innovations in makeup and visual effects, and the long-standing myths that grew from the film’s chaotic production. The documentary will also explore the movie’s profound afterlife—how a modest studio picture of its time became a cultural cornerstone that shaped American storytelling.
For lovers of Hollywood history, the project marks an exciting moment. A new generation is about to revisit, rediscover, and re-examine the world behind the ruby slippers, the Emerald City, and the vast imaginative universe that has kept The Wizard of Oz timeless.
With production underway and a 2026 release planned, DiCaprio’s “Oz” looks to become the definitive cinematic excavation of a beloved Hollywood treasure—reminding audiences that even after nearly nine decades, the magic of that yellow brick road has never faded.
What do you think? Will DiCaprio produce a worthy documentary on this film classic? Please share your thoughts and comments below:
Add comment
Comments