Not to ruin the ending for everyone, but…Disney is already ramping up production on a sequel for Oz the Great and Powerful. The Mouse House reportedly tapped original scribe Mitchell Kapner to work on the follow-up, suggesting the studio is content with the first film’s quality, and (more likely the case) they would prefer not to have a repeat of the situation with Alice in Wonderland. A sequel for their Tim Burton-directed 2010 cash cow is just now being written after a whopping three-year hiatus.
Variety furthers the story by revealing that Kapner was hired for the gig months ago, even before tracking came out strong for the project. In other words, the film will probably show up by 2015 should Disney find a director (Sam Raimi could return) and likes the script. Assuming the incredible cast of James Franco, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, and Michelle Williams is already optioned up, we could be talking about yet another massive franchise for Mickey and the gang.
Oz the Great and Powerful releases nationwide tomorrow where the expectation is $80-100 million by Sunday night. This would rank as the third highest-grossing March release of all-time behind only The Hunger Games and Alice in Wonderland.