‘Wizard of Oz’ prequel likely to film in Detroit with director Sam Raimi, star Johnny Depp Published: Wednesday, January 26, 2011, 10:40 AM
It looks as if “Oz: The Great and Powerful,” Disney’s “Wizard of Oz” prequel to be directed by Sam Raimi and likely starring Johnny Depp, will be filming in southeast Michigan.
The Detroit Free Press did the math, reporting that an application to the Michigan Film Office stated that a Hollywood production budgeted at $105 million was approved for a $40 million tax credit. No title for the film was given, but the production company was dubbed Emerald City Productions - a reference to “The Wizard of Oz” and a Disney-affiliated company.
The movie will likely land at Raleigh Studios in Pontiac.
Raimi, who directed the “Spider-Man” films and cult favorite “The Evil Dead,” is a native of the Detroit area. Depp reportedly has been negotiating to star in the project after Robert Downey Jr. dropped out.
I used to work in Pontiac…