STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

Here’s Our ‘Wizard Of Oz’ Fantasy Casting Suggestions For Kenya Barris

The ‘black’ish’ creator is set to write and direct a modern version of the classic movie.

On Monday, it was announced that Black-ish creator Kenya Barris has been tapped to write and direct the reimagining of the Wizard Of Oz for Warner Bros, according to Deadline.

The movie is set to take a modern spin on the film, and since it’s still in the early stages, no actors have been cast yet. But here at BET.com, we decided to take it upon ourselves and do a fantasy casting on who we would like to see portray some of the classic characters in the modern reimagining, you know, just to help with the process.

  • Dorothy - Marsai Martin

    Young Stars Award winner Marsai Martin (Photo by Robin L Marshall/Getty Images)

    Photo by Robin L Marshall/Getty Images

    Young Stars Award winner Marsai Martin (Photo by Robin L Marshall/Getty Images)

    Martin has truly grown before our eyes and has already stamped herself in Hollywood as a promising actor and producer. The actress has worked with Barris in the past so it should be a walk in the park when it comes to being on set with each other. She’s one of Hollywood’s Princesses and this movie role could be a huge break for her. The 18-year-old has shown the world she’s versatile in many ways — this film can add to the range of this future legend.

  • Tin Man - Marlon Wayans

    Marlon Wayans

    Photo: Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images

    Marlon Wayans - Like Shaq, Wayans was sued for making fun of someone on social media. Pierre Daniel, an actor who landed a bit part in Wayans's hit spoof A Haunted House 2, sued for racial discrimination and harassment after the comedy star posted a pic of Daniel alongside one of Cleveland Brown from The Cleveland Show and invited his followers to make the comparison. Daniel claims he was cyber-bullied by Wayans and the jab caused him serious pain, anxiety and killed his career as an actor. Well, that sounds like a stretch, but either way, this should be a lesson to celebs to pick on someone their own size. (Photo: Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images)

    Speaking of range, Wayans has always been known as a comedian onscreen but recently has shown the world a different side in an episode of Bel-Air where he played Will’s estranged father, Lou. The Tin Man goes through an emotional rollercoaster despite not having a heart which would be fitting to continue to show Wayans versatility as an actor.

  • Cowardly Lion - Nicco Annan

    Nicco Annan

    Leon Bennett/STA 2020/Getty Images for BET

    Nicco Annan - It’s hard not to love Uncle Clifford, the fabulous and fierce non-binary owner of Pynk – the strip club at the center of Starz’s P-Valley. Annan does a phenomenal job breathing life into this character, a role he has been perfecting since assuming the role in the stage production of Pussy Valley more than a decade ago. As a 6’2” gay Black man in America, he’s a barrier breaker, inspiring fans to be brave and unapologetically themselves. (Photo by Leon Bennett/STA 2020/Getty Images for BET)

    Uncle Clifford exudes confidence, whereas the Cowardly Lion is on a journey to build his. This would give audiences a different view of Annan as an actor with the ability to show his range and vulnerable side in this role.

  • Scarecrow - Ne-Yo

    Ne-Yo -  NeYoCompound:#tweegram We love you Whitney Houston... instagr.am/p/G44wCPQmRo/ (Photo: Eugene Gologursky/WireImage)

    Photo: Eugene Gologursky/WireImage

    Ne-Yo - NeYoCompound:#tweegram We love you Whitney Houston... instagr.am/p/G44wCPQmRo/ (Photo: Eugene Gologursky/WireImage)

    The R&B singer has voiced he would love to participate in other acting roles to showcase more than his singing chops and this role would be able to give viewers both. Can you imagine the fun dance breaks we would get, too?

  • Glinda - Lizzo

    Singer Lizzo - (Photo: BET)

    Photo: BET

    Singer Lizzo - (Photo: BET)

    Lizzo has such a commanding presence and a natural charm, which would make her perfect to play the Good Witch Of The South. Just imagine in her land, there would be twerk contests, good eats, and 24/7 fun. She’s very youthful, encouraging, and charming which is what Glinda has been known for.

  • Miss Gultch, The Wicked Witch Of The West - Dominique Jackson

    This actress delivered an iconic role as Elektra in the FX hit series Pose with her captivating scenes, sharp-tongued delivery, and glamorous costuming which overall made the character iconic. Jackson has proven that she can walk in the room and command attention, something the role of Miss Gultch would need.

  • The Wizard - Jim Carrey

    Jim Carrey
    Jim Carrey - Best known for playing characters like Fire Marshal Bill and Vera the female body builder, Jim Carrey was the show's lone white male player. He also became In Living Color's breakout star, rising to an A-list comedic film actor. The star of classic comedies like Dumb and Dumber and Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Carrey recently returned to the big screen in the quickly forgotten Dumb and Dumber To. (Photo: Ben A. Pruchnie/Getty Images)

    You already know Carrey is going to deliver funny one-liners and add to the comic relief in the film. Just imagine him as the shady wizard and making empty promises. Carrey will give us an unforgettable performance while onscreen and can support the actors with engaging back-and-forth dialogue.

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.