Warner Bros. is developing an animated Wizard of Oz retelling, working with veteran scribe Mark Burton. Burton will adapt Toto, a children's book by War Horse writer Michael Morpurgo, which tells the story of Dorothy's trip through Oz from her faithful dog's perspective. The movie from Warner Animation Group will be executive produced by Jared Stern and Winsor Yuan through their A Stern Talking To banner.
Aladdin screenwriter John August has been set to write Toto, an animated musical for the Warner Animation Group. Pic is based on the book Toto: The Dog-Gone Amazing Story of the Wizard of Oz, written by Michael Morpurgo and illustrated by Emma Chichester. Jared Stern’s A Stern Talking To is attached to produce. Toto tells the Wizard of Oz story from the point of view of Dorothy’s dog.
Alex Timbers, the co-creator and the EP of Amazon’s Golden Globe winning series Mozart in the Jungle is closed to direct. Jared Stern is serving as executive producer, and Derek Frey, who previously ran Tim Burton Productions and was Burton’s producer, will produce.
Animal Logic confirmed today that the feature musical adaptation of Toto: The Dog-Gone Amazing Story of the Wizard of Oz will be the next project produced out of their animation studio in Vancouver. The family film will connect audiences from all ages and Toto will not only appeal to fans of the original film, but it will introduce the story to a whole new generation.
Told from the perspective of Dorothy’s beloved companion, the screenplay was written by John August, with two-time Tony nominee, Alex Timbers, attached to direct. The film will be produced by Derek Frey, who previously headed-up Tim Burton Productions. Pre-production has begun on the animated feature, with Timbers currently meeting key creatives and producers in Vancouver and recruitment of artists and practitioners ramping up over the next few months.