Every time a new version of Robin Hood, King Arthur, Superman, Batman or James Bond goes into development, we have a long list of suggestions for Black actors who can take on the lead role. This inevitably leads to discussions about whether Black audiences should want to see themselves as popular characters or in newly created heroes and mythologies. First of all, the answer should always be both. We can have a Black Ariel and new characters like Tiana.
As much as we love seeing ourselves in new settings like Wakanda, there’s also a special level of empowerment and representation that comes from seeing Superman—the strongest being on Earth—as a Black man. Despite what internet trolls will tell you, there’s nothing wrong with giving classic stories and characters modern updates. However, we do need them to be smart, fresh updates, so they feel like necessary additions to the universe.
We don’t know if Kenya Barris’ (“Black-ish”) “The Wizard of Oz” reimaging will be one of those smart remakes, but we’re getting new details about what audiences can expect. The writer/producer told Variety that his modern take on the classic will follow a new Dorothy who lives in an apartment complex in Inglewood, Calif.
“I think this is the perfect time to switch the characters and talk about what someone imagines their life could be,” Barris said. “It’s ultimately a hero’s journey, someone thinks something’s better than where they’re at, and they go and realize that where they’re at is where they should be. I want people to be proud and happy about where they’re from. But I want the world to take a look at it and I hope that will come through.”
The problem isn’t with having a Black Dorothy, it’s that we already have that story. Perhaps Barris has heard of a Broadway musical and classic film called “The Wiz?” A Black Dorothy could have the same impact as Halle Bailey’s Ariel, however, his timing isn’t great. Between the new revival of “The Wiz” and the upcoming film adaptation of the extremely popular musical “Wicked,” it feels like now may not be the time for another “Wizard of Oz” story. There’s no timetable on Barris’ project, but there’s a chance it could just get lost in the mix of all these trips to Emerald City.
“The Wizard of Oz” isn’t the only classic Barris is looking to remix, as he also has plans for a new spin on the holiday favorite, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” The “You People” director thinks the story of a man who wonders what life would be like if he were never born is “perfect” for Black communities.
“I feel like Christmas movies are amazing and I think the idea of taking something that has that long of a history and a tale behind it and putting an amazing piece of talent to tell that story,” he said. “It’s a guy who’s trying to help out his community and things are going to turn around on him. I think that’s the perfect story to tell for a person of color—Black or brown—to get into that because our communities have some issues and someone trying to help that community out. I think that’s the perfect vehicle to tell that story from.”
The “what if I weren’t around” trope isn’t untouchable, but in this instance, it would be better to use it as the jumping off point for a new story with new characters. Saddling a movie with the unreachable standard of being an “It’s a Wonderful Life” remake will crush it before one second is ever filmed.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” is not just one of the best Christmas movies ever, it’s one of the greatest films of all time period. People have a deep, emotional connection to it. It’s part of their family traditions and memories. You can’t remake or update those kinds of feelings.
Plus, no one wants to be the actor who follows Jimmy Stewart.