Is 'Oz the Great and Powerful' getting a sequel? - KYTX CBS 19 Tyler Longview News Weather Sports
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By Breeanna Hare
The film has yet to show and prove at the box office, but Disney is reportedly already planning a sequel to this weekend's release, "Oz the Great and Powerful."
Variety reports that the studio has put in a request for screenwriter Mitchell Kapner, who co-wrote the first film with David Lindsay-Abaire, to pen a follow-up.
Directed by Sam Raimi, "Oz the Great and Powerful" stars James Franco as the wizard of L. Frank Baum's creation and recounts how he came to reside in that magical land with the famous yellow brick road.
Billed as a prequel to the classic 1939 film, "The Wizard of Oz," critics largely haven't known what to make of it - some say it's horrible while others found it to be good enough family fun, as reflected in the film's 59 percent fresh rating on RottenTomatoes.com.
It's unclear what a sequel plot would involve, and Disney wouldn't comment on the reports. "Oz the Great" is expected to open to $80 million in domestic ticket sales, Variety added.
Meanwhile, star Franco was getting the star treatment on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Thursday.
The 34-year-old actor, who pulled an Oscar nod with 2010's "127 Hours," received his acknowledgment with his mom, director Raimi and pal Seth Rogen by his side. Rogen and Franco, of course, go pretty far back - they both starred on "Freaks and Geeks," which aired from 1999 to 2000.
Since then, Franco's earned a reputation as a tireless creator with a thirst for education. Up next, he'll reportedly tackle Broadway as George in a revival of "Of Mice and Men."
