It’s currently being reported that Robert Downey Jr. is no longer attached to Sam Raimi’s upcoming film “Oz, the Great and Powerful.” And that Johnny Depp will now be taking over once negotiations with Disney goes through.
No reason was given as to why Downey Jr. dropped out, but Depp is a great replacement and an actor who I’d preferably liked to have seen in the role. Depp is also currently attached to star in another Disney film, “The Lone Ranger.” If Depp becomes Oz, expect production for “The Lone Ranger” to be pushed back a bit.
Here’s the film synopsis that was leaked last year:
The would have the Wizard — a snake-oil salesman posing as a magician — enter Oz via a hot-air balloon, which he uses to escape an angry husband who has found out that Oz slept with his wife. There, Oz — a fast-talking huckster who wears a velveteen frock coat — falls in love with Glinda (the Good Witch), and the two combine forces to Fight the Evil Witches Evanora and Theodora. Theodora starts out as a good witch, but after Oz jilts her sexual advances, Evanora — the truly evil witch — convinces Theodora to become an evil witch with her and help her to rule all of Oz. Both Evanora and Theodora are described as incredibly attractive, seductive women, and Theodora likes to wear black, thigh-high boots.