A new horror film titled Wicked of Oz transforms the beloved tale of The Wizard of Oz into a dark reimagining. Directed by Aaron Mirtes, the film draws inspiration from L. Frank Baum‘s classic children’s book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, first published in 1900. With a screenplay co-written by Mirtes and Nathan Illsley, the film promises a chilling take on the familiar story, featuring a Dorothy Gale who confronts a brutal and blood-soaked landscape.
The plot follows Dorothy, played by Kenzie Wynne, who is swept away by a tornado into the sinister realm of Oz. In this nightmarish version, she encounters Glinda, portrayed by Chelsey Fuller, who has resorted to cannibalism, feasting on the remains of the Munchkins. Additionally, Dorothy faces a skull-crushing Scarecrow, a Tin Man obsessed with collecting hearts, and a Cowardly Lion who satisfies his master by attacking anyone in sight. The film’s synopsis reveals that Oz has transformed into a macabre landscape where Dorothy, armed with salvaged weapons, battles her way through psychotic foes until she confronts her ultimate enemy, the Wicked of Oz.
Produced by James Cullen Bressack, Tom Malloy, and Niccolo Messina, CEO of indie film studio Insurgence, Wicked of Oz is slated for a November 2025 release. Messina noted the unique creative team behind the project, stating, “The creative team behind Wicked of Oz — genre veterans James Cullen Bressack, Scotty Mullen, Tom Malloy, and Aaron Mirtes — combine credits that span everything from Mel Gibson action thrillers to Sharknado. Together with our wickedly talented cast, the film offers no songs, no rainbows – just blood and bodies piling high onto the Oz sky. Its ferocious fun for every fan of gore.”
This new horror interpretation of a classic story comes on the heels of a resurgence of interest in Oz-related narratives. The 1939 film adaptation of The Wizard of Oz, starring the iconic Judy Garland as Dorothy, remains a cherished part of cinematic history, captivating audiences for generations. Additionally, the recent release of Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu and based on the 2003 stage musical by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, has further revived interest in the Oz universe. This prequel explores the relationship between roommates Elphaba Thropp, played by Cynthia Erivo, and Glinda Upland, portrayed by Ariana Grande, before Dorothy’s arrival.
As anticipation builds for both the horror film and the sequel Wicked: For Good, which is also set for a November 2025 release, fans of the original stories are eager to see how these new adaptations will reshape the familiar narratives. The bold approach of Wicked of Oz signals a daring departure from the whimsical tone of its predecessors, promising to offer a fresh and terrifying perspective on a well-known tale.
