Kenya Barris’s reimagining of The Wizard of Oz relocates Dorothy from the familiar Kansas setting to the Bottoms, a large apartment complex in Inglewood, California. Barris described that setting and his reasons for changing the characters in a January 2024 interview report; it is a dated development update, not confirmation of a release date or current production status.
Where is Dorothy’s new home?
In Complex’s January 20, 2024 report, Barris’s screenplay places Dorothy in the Bottoms, an apartment complex in Inglewood, California. Complex reported that the script was finished at the time. The report attributes these details to Barris’s appearance at the Variety Studio during the Sundance Film Festival.
Why did Barris change the setting?
Barris framed the change as a way to shift perspective and explore how people think about home. As quoted by Complex, he said: “I think this is the perfect time to switch the characters and talk about what someone imagines their life could be. It’s ultimately a hero’s journey, someone thinks something’s better than where they’re at, and they go and realize that where they’re at is where they should be. I want people to be proud and happy about where they’re from. But I want the world to take a look at it and I hope that will come through.”
That explanation points to a journey shaped by the contrast between imagining a better life elsewhere and recognizing the value of one’s own community. It gives the Inglewood setting thematic purpose, rather than treating the move from Kansas as only a change of location.
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How does this differ from the original film’s framing?
Barris also described the original The Wizard of Oz as a Depression-era story about self-reliance, saying: “The original Wizard of Oz took place during the Great Depression and it was about self-reliance and what people were going through.” That is Barris’s characterization of the original’s context and theme. His stated focus for the reimagining is instead character perspective, the desire for a different life, and pride in where someone comes from.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is known about the remake’s status?
The January 20, 2024 Complex report said the screenplay was finished, but supplied no timeline. It does not establish a later production start, cast announcement, release date, or the project’s current status. The setting and creative rationale should therefore be understood as details reported at that time, not as confirmation that the film is now in production or scheduled for release.
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Read Complex’s January 20, 2024 report.
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