Kenya Barris (Photo by Robin L Marshall/Getty Images)
Last month social media went into a frenzy when it was announced that ‘Black-ish’ creator Kenya Barris was picked to direct an upcoming remake of the classic fantasy film ‘The Wizard Of Oz,’ and now he has revealed a little insight into what fans can expect. During an exclusive interview, Kenya Barris confirmed that his version of ‘The Wizard Of Oz’ will feature LGBTQ+ characters that “reflect the world.”
Somewhere over the rainbow is about to take on a whole new meaning, as Kenya Barris has detailed his plans for modern representation in his upcoming remake of the 1939 Hollywood classic, ‘The Wizard Of Oz.’ @Variety exclusively reports, Barris explained that in an effort to tell the story of the iconic film in a modern era, it’s important to include LGBTQ+ characters who were absent in the original. “The original was an allegory and a reflection of the way the world was at the time with things like the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl,” Barris said
He continued, adding “Now we’re going to turn a mirror on where we’re at right now and take disparate characters from the LGBTQ community, from different cultural communities and socioeconomic communities, and tell a story that reflects the world. I think this is the best time to do that.”
Noting that directing a film that is so treasured among movie fans is a tough task that comes with loads of pressure (and likely intense criticism,) Kenya Barris admitted his nerves. He stated, “I’m nervous. Hopefully, my movie can last as long as the original does. Hopefully, my movie comes out.”
As we previously reported, back in August Kenya Barris was officially confirmed to both write and direct a reimagining of the enduring fantasy classic, ‘The Wizard Of Oz,’ through his Khalabo Ink Society production company.
Throughout the years there have been multiple retellings of the story, with the one most notable to the Black community being the 1978 version ‘The Wiz,’ starring icons Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.
