In this fresh rendition, the lead character Dorothy resides in the Bottoms, an expansive apartment complex nestled in Inglewood, California. While the original "Wizard of Oz" depicted the struggles of the Great Depression and emphasized self-reliance, Barris has chosen to explore the power of imagination and the dreams individuals harbor for their lives.
Similar Topic: Director Edgar Wright’s 'Running Man' Remake To Start Filming In 2024
Barris believes that now is the perfect moment to bring these characters to life in a new light. He aims to highlight the transformative journey of a hero, who dares to envision a life beyond their current circumstances. Barris hopes that his portrayal will have a sense of pride and happiness among viewers about their own origins. He also aspires for the world to gain a renewed perspective by shedding light on the community of Inglewood.
As for remaking the classic film "It's a Wonderful Life" which is based on a short story titled "The Greatest Gift" authored by Philip Van Doren Stern, the project is currently in process at Paramount Studios. Barris plans to put a unique spin on it by centering the story around a person of color. Barris believes the story has the potential to be even more impactful from a POC perspective.
According to Barris, Christmas movies hold a special place in our hearts, and he finds the idea of reinventing a story with such a rich history intriguing. He believes that by bringing on exceptionally talented individuals to tell this narrative, the final result will be a remarkable piece of art.
Source: Deadline