I would probably be the first person to complain if “The Wiz” was ever remade. But because Hollywood is known for trudging through time capsules for new ideas, the possibility of this taking place may not be so far off the mark.
As such, it’s kind of fun to think about what new faces might fill the roles that Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, and Nipsey Russell and crew made famous. At the risk of angering those who firmly believe that this timeless 70s classic should be left alone, here are some random ideas to toss around…
The Production
Let the record show that this movie remake should be as true to form as the original. That means no shortcuts, no modernizing — — just a smartly-directed period film, featuring authentic soul music that is “The Wiz.”
Dorothy
This is arguably the most important role of all time. Diana Ross’s whimsical, gangly energy is what made the character so special. Anyone cast in this role should possess that same delicate demeanor. R&B; singer Kelly Rowland might not be a bad choice. Here’s another idea: pop a curly wig on Zoe Saldana’s head, give her some singing lessons and you might just have a new Dorothy. There are plenty of other viable options. Taraji Henson (who is also a good singer) is another excellent choice.
The Tin Man
Kevin Hart seems to be popping up everywhere. If there ever were a remake of “The Wiz”, he could easily fill Nipsey Russell’s (who died in 2005) tin shoes. Kevin’s animated stand-up delivery is a choreographer’s dream.
The Cowardly Lion
The Cowardly Lion was one of those characters that came across as a sort of lovable, yet annoying creature. Late actor Ted Ross (who originally played the Lion) left some hefty shoes to fill. Nonetheless, comedian Kenan Thompson is perhaps the ideal person for this role. His fluffy, dead-on impersonations on “Saturday Night Live” provide more than enough proof that he could pull off such a frantic comedic role.
The Scarecrow
The late Michael Jackson will always be remembered as the lovably limber Scarecrow from the 1978 iconic musical. But while you’re marveling upon Michael’s sweet falsetto and those hangdog features, consider rapper Andre 3000 as a refreshing alternative. Along with his nifty dancing skills and his vocal chops, he possesses just the amount of whimsy to pull off The Scarecrow’s tender emotions.
The Wizard/The Fraud
You can’t say that Mike Epps wouldn’t be sublime as the neurotic, ultimate coward of them all—the Wiz himself. The late Richard Pryor made us feel sorry for his character in all his delusion, without missing a comedic beat. Epps has a similar comic timing and a knack for interpreting “lowly characters.”
Who would you cast in an “imaginary” remake of “The Wiz”?
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