‘The Wizard of Oz’ And ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ Are Getting Remakes
There’s something special about classic stories and characters getting modern updates, with people of color standing in as the leads or in some cases the entire cast. The Christmas classic from 1946, It’s a Wonderful Life, is getting the remake treatment. Black-ish creator Kenya Barris confirmed remaking the beloved Christmas movie while promoting his biopic series about the comedian Richard Pryor.
Barris shared updates with Variety for two classic films that he plans on remaking. These include The Wizard of Oz and It’s a Wonderful Life. His version of Dorothy would be about a girl who lives in a huge apartment complex in Inglewood, California.
“The original Wizard of Oz took place during the Great Depression, and it was about self-reliance and what people were going through,” he told Variety. “I think this is the perfect time to switch the characters and talk about what someone imagines their life could be.”
Wait, what about The Wiz movie and musical?
It’s worth noting that another take on the classic The Wizard of Oz has already been done in 1978. It’s called The Wiz, starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. There’s also a Broadway musical inspired by the 1978 film. But who knows? This remake could have the same impact as Halle Bailey playing Ariel in The Little Mermaid.
He also made mention of remaking It’s a Wonderful Life at Paramount and plans to center the story around a person of color. He said he believes the story in Frank Capra’s 1946 film starring James “Jimmy” Stewart is “tailor-made” for a POC perspective.
Frank Capra directed and produced It’s a Wonderful Life, which is set on Christmas Eve and stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a man facing challenges. When contemplating suicide, Bailey’s guardian angel, Clarence (Henry Travers), shows him a world without his existence. Recognizing his positive impact on others, Bailey pleads for a second chance at life.
Representation matters.
Barris might not be a familiar name to some, but he’s known for creating Black-ish, and has written for shows like Girlfriends and movies like Coming 2 America, You People, and the 2022 remake of Cheaper by the Dozen.
No cast or crew information has been released. Here’s hoping more info drops soon.
12 Best TV Shows Centered On Hip-Hop
This year marks the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, with festivals taking place worldwide. Festivities include concerts, tours, battles, competitions, exhibitions, and more. Featuring beloved DJs, MCs, breakdancers, beatboxers, graffiti artists, and many other talented people coming together to celebrate this milestone.
Hip-hop has proven to be more than just a music genre. One domain where its influence has had an impact is television. In its early days, hip-hop faced significant criticism and was often subjected to harmful stereotypes perpetuated by mainstream media. However, as hip-hop artists continued to defy expectations and prove their talent, television gradually began to reflect this shift. Shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which starred Will Smith, and In Living Color, which showcased a diverse cast and featured hip-hop elements, helped challenge stereotypes and introduced a new narrative on TV.
Hip-hop’s TV influence
As hip-hop’s popularity skyrocketed, it started influencing TV storytelling. Shows like Empire and Power integrated hip-hop culture into their narratives, offering a glimpse into the music industry and the life of artists. Additionally, hip-hop-themed reality TV competitions, such as Rhythm + Flow and The Rap Game, have provided aspiring artists with a platform to showcase their talent and win industry recognition. These programs have allowed viewers to connect with hip-hop on a deeper level and gain insights into the art form.
Hip-hop’s impact on television goes beyond fiction. Docuseries like Hip-Hop Evolution and Unsung give us an inside look into influential artists’ lives and the genre’s history. These shows educate and celebrate hip-hop’s cultural significance, winning hearts worldwide. Hip-hop now drives TV commercials, featuring artists and their music to boost product appeal.
From its early days battling stereotypes to its current influence on various TV formats, hip-hop has revolutionized television in countless ways. Its ability to inspire creativity, break barriers, and foster inclusivity has forever changed the small screen landscape. As we continue to celebrate the genre’s milestones and significant impact on society, hip-hop’s journey on television is far from over. With its continued growth and evolution, hip-hop will undoubtedly leave an enduring legacy, shaping television for future generations.
Kayla is the midday host on Detroit’s 105.1 The Bounce. She started her career in radio back in 2016 as an intern at another Detroit station and worked her way here. She's made stops in Knoxville, TN, Omaha, Ne and other places before returning to Detroit. She’s done almost everything in radio from promotions to web, creating content on social media, you name it.
She’s a true Michigander, born and raised. So, you can catch her camping or vacationing up north to exploring the downtown Detroit or maybe even catching a sports game. During her free time, Kayla enjoys watching movies, roller-skating, crafting, and music festivals. She and her husband together dip into many of the great things Michigan has to offer. Together they also like to travel.
A few hobbies of hers include wine and beer tastings, crafting, hiking, roller skating, movies, home improvement projects, gardening, and festivals. She’s always looking to take on more local events happening in the community.
She loves connecting with the community. When writing, Kayla covers topics including lifestyle, pop culture, trending stories, hacks, and urban culture.
