What an absolute privilege to be invited down to this year’s 69th BFI London Film Festival for an exclusive discussion with M Chu on the upcoming reimagining of The Wizard of Oz.
It was incredible to get a first look at what’s shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films of 2025, from early film exclusives and behind the scenes insights to learning about the casting process that brought Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo together in these iconic roles.
Hearing about the creative process behind the choreography, costume design and set construction was truly inspiring. The level of artistry and attention to detail is breathtaking, with every frame set to honour the timeless classic while introducing a bold, modern vision.
Two brand-new songs were written specifically for the sequel by composer Stephen Schwartz: “No Place Like Home” (for Elphaba) and “The Girl in the Bubble” (for Glinda).
Choreography, set design and costumes have been upgraded: there’s mention of an expanded “OzDust Ballroom” dance sequence and a full 80-member orchestra for certain scenes, underscoring how big the production has become.
Returning cast include Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero), Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible), Jeff Goldblum (The Wizard), Ethan Slater and others
Massive thanks to the BFI and everyone involved for such an insightful and inspiring session. The magic of cinema is alive and well, and I can’t wait to see this new film, which is set for release on 21 November 2025, on the big screen.
