The highly anticipated premiere of the new film adaptation, "The Wizard of Oz: The Road from the Yellow Brick Road," took place recently at the Octobers Cinema in Moscow. This event saw the gathering of numerous stars and industry figures, showcasing excitement about this fresh retelling of a beloved classic.
Directed by Igor Voloshin, the film stars Svetlana Khodchenkova, Yuri Kolokolnikov, Ekaterina Chervova, and Evgeny Chumak, among others. The film is scheduled to be released to the public on January 1, 2025, following its premiere on October 1, 2023.
The storyline follows the adventures of Ellie, played by Ekaterina Chervova, who finds herself transported to the magical land of the Oompa-Loompas by a tornado. There, she encounters new friends, including the Scarecrow portrayed by Evgeny Chumak, the Tin Woodman played by Kolokolnikov, and the Cowardly Lion played by Arthur Vaha. Together, they seek the Great Wizard, hoping he will help them fulfill their hearts' desires, including confronting the evil witch Bastinda, brought to life by Khodchenkova.
According to Kino Mail, the premiere received positive feedback from the audience, with many praising the stunning costumes and elaborate special effects. “The visual aspects of the film really drew me in,” one enthusiastic viewer mentioned. Such excitement is indicative of the film’s potential impact within the adaptation genre.
At the premiere, director Igor Voloshin expressed gratitude for his cast and crew, referring to the film as “a work of artisanal craft.” He emphasized the collaborative effort involved and the shared vision of bringing this new interpretation to life. Kolokolnikov remarked on the production's challenges, particularly highlighting the need for computer-generated imagery (CGI) to depict certain characters. “There were moments when we were acting with green tennis balls instead of our animal counterparts,” said Kolokolnikov. “Yet, it pushed us to create compelling performances through imaginative interaction.”
Chebotariev, who plays the character Urfin Dyus, shared his own creative process as he strived to develop his unique vision of the character. He described how everyone has their interpretation of Urfin, informed by their readings of the original story. “It was important for me to create my unique Urfin Dyus, the one everyone can relate to,” Chebotariev commented.
Reflecting on her role, Chervova expressed delight about the final output, stating, “Even if I were to critique it, I wouldn’t know where to start.” Her excitement highlights the cast's confidence in the film's quality.
With its innovative approach to storytelling and high production values, "The Wizard of Oz: The Road from the Yellow Brick Road" promises to be both nostalgic and novel for audiences of all ages. The film caps off several adaptations of the beloved book and reinforces the timeless appeal of its characters and themes.
This upcoming release is particularly noteworthy, considering it follows other adaptations of the Oz narrative, including the recent musical film “Wicked: Part One.” It signifies not only the enduring popularity of Baum's original work but also the willingness of filmmakers to explore diverse interpretations of his stories.
With the Barbie movie frenzy still sparking conversations around reimagined stories, this new adventure from the yellow brick road is bound to capture the attention of both long-time fans and newcomers to the story.
Mark your calendars for January 1, 2025, to witness this remarkable reinterpretation of a classic tale, filled with adventure, friendship, and the timeless message of courage and heart.
