Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
The Muppets' Wizard of Oz
The Muppets' Wizard of Oz, an original made-for-television movie, airs May 20th, 2005 as a special Friday night edition of ABC's The Wonderful World of Disney.
Adapted from L. Frank Baum's original novel by Adam F. Goldberg and The Simpsons writer Tom Martin, this latest retelling of the classic story follows Dorothy (Ashanti) as she journeys through an Oz populated by Muppets to find the Wizard and become a star.
The Muppets' Wizard of Oz, is directed by Kirk Thatcher, a Henson veteran who helmed the Muppets' last hit television special, It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie, which aired on NBC in 2002.
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Where to watch
World Premiere: April 27, 2005 at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Broadcast Premiere: May 20, 2005 at 8/7c on ABC.
The Cast
- Ashanti - Dorothy Gale
- Kermit the Frog - The Scarecrow
- The Great Gonzo - The Tin Thing
- Fozzie Bear - The Cowardly Lion
- Miss Piggy - Glinda, the Good Witch of the South
- Miss Piggy - The Wicked Witch of the West
- Miss Piggy - The Good Witch of the North
- Miss Piggy - The Wicked Witch of the East
- Pepe the Prawn - Toto
- Rizzo the Rat - Munchkin
- Queen Latifah - Aunt Em
- David Alan Grier - Uncle Henry
- Jeffrey Tambor - The Wizard
- Quentin Tarantino - Himself
- Supporting Muppet Cast includes: Teeth and the Electric Mayhem, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Beaker, Sam the Eagle, Scooter, Sweetums, Crazy Harry, Johnny Fiama and Sal Manilla.
History
The film marks the first major project after the acquistion of the Muppets property by The Walt Disney Company, which The Jim Henson Company is still consulting under. Since April 2004, The Muppets have been being re-introduced to the public by way of low-key marketing and guest appearances on such shows as Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Good Morning America and Saturday Night Live in hopes for a successful turn in the ratings by the time the new telefilm hits the air. A successful re-launch of the franchise is dependant on a good return in ratings for the evening, airing the same weekend Star Wars: Episode III premieres.
External links
- Official ABC Muppets' Wizard of Oz Website
- Official Disney Muppets' Wizard of Oz Website
- ABC's Primetime Promotion with Video and Pictures
- ToughPigs.com Oz Contents and Articles
- Video Promotions and Teaser Material
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