Robert Zemeckis Doing “Wizard of Oz” Remake?

In what may go down as the most boneheaded remake of all time, or the most inspired, Robert Zemeckis is in talks with Warner Bros. to shoot a remake of the legendary Judy Garland film, The Wizard of Oz. This is no ordinary remake either, it is said to use the original script from the 1939 film,  which Warner Bros. acquired from media mogul Ted Turner. Turner owned the rights after purchasing the rights to MGM’s library of films.

This will be a bit of a departure for Zemeckis, who is currently shooting a remake of Yellow Submarine using his beloved motion capture technique. Zemeckis has not directed a live action film since 2000’s Cast Away. Since that film he has released Polar Express, Beowulf, and A Christmas Carol all using motion capture technology. The Wizard of Oz remake will (at least currently) be a live action remake, with updated visuals to go along with its classic script.

I’m at odds here. On one hand I want to see Zemeckis return to live action, because his live action features Back to the Future and Forrest Gump are among my favorites. On the other hand, I’m not sure The Wizard of Oz needs a remake from its original script, it sounds neat on paper, but I highly doubt it would live up to the inventive original.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments!