Oz the Great and Powerful: 10 Years Later, Franco’s Shadow Looms

UPDATE: As the film Oz the Great and Powerful marks its 10th anniversary, a resurgence of discussions highlights the lasting impact of James Franco’s controversial past. Since its release in 2013, the movie has faced scrutiny not only for its narrative but also due to the actor’s subsequent allegations of sexual misconduct.

New reports confirm that Franco, who portrayed Oscar Diggs in the film, has seen his career falter amid serious accusations, including a lawsuit that was settled in 2021. This casts a shadow over Sam Raimi‘s adaptation of the beloved Wizard of Oz universe, raising questions about how audiences perceive the film in light of Franco’s actions.

The narrative follows Oscar, a carnival magician who inadvertently ends up in the magical land of Oz. Critics have noted that while the film attempts to provide a backstory for the iconic wizard, it suffers from Franco’s casting, especially given the character’s sleazy persona. His charm is portrayed as manipulative, leaving a bitter taste as viewers are reminded of his real-life controversies.

Amid the film’s visual splendor and nostalgic elements, including references to the original 1939 classic, the film wrestles with themes of power dynamics, particularly in a story dominated by female figures. The character of Theodora, played by Mila Kunis, undergoes a tragic transformation into the Wicked Witch, a storyline that diverges from the empowering narrative found in Wicked: For Good, set to release soon.

While the film showcases impressive special effects and a whimsical portrayal of Oz, the question remains: how can audiences separate the art from the artist? With Franco’s past looming large, many viewers may find it difficult to fully embrace the film’s charm.

As Disney+ continues to stream both Oz the Great and Powerful and the darker, more unsettling Return to Oz, fans are left to grapple with the legacy of this beloved universe. The release of Wicked: For Good further complicates the conversation around representation and the narratives we choose to support in Hollywood.

What remains clear is that Oz the Great and Powerful is not just a film but a cultural artifact that reflects changing societal values and the complexities of its leading actor’s legacy. As discussions around the film resurface, audiences are encouraged to reflect on their viewing choices and the broader implications of art in the face of personal failings.

Stay tuned for further developments as the conversation around this iconic franchise continues to evolve.