Director Kenya Bari had many successes with the creation of the popular reality show America’s next supermodelas well as the hit series Blackish and its two spin-off series, as well as writing features such as Girls trip And 2 America is coming.
Now he’s tackling a classic story with a reimagining of one of Hollywood’s favorite films, The Wizard of Oz. Barris will write and direct the film, and while rumor has it that he’s going in a different direction than the original, Barris is keeping the creative details close to the vest. It will be a modern take on the iconic musical.
This is a huge bet. When movie fans feel like a property is being refurbished, there’s a general feeling of frustration, but that’s even with less-loved titles than this one. The Wizard of Oz it was done so perfectly in its time that it would have been nearly impossible to make it better, so you’d have to go a different route, but in doing so, some wonder why tie it to the original in the first place. I sincerely hope it goes great, but we see that something extraordinary emerges from this reinterpretation.
Meanwhile, Barris is super busy with several projects. He is currently in post-production for his directorial debut, You peoplewith whom he wrote together Jonah Hill. The original comedy features a fantastic cast that includes Hill, Eddie Murphy, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Lauren London, Nia Long, And David Duchovnyamong others.
Barris will be launched next month Entergalatica television event with which he co-created Kid Cudi. The one-of-a-kind project is inspired by the Grammy winner’s upcoming album of the same name and combines adult animation, music, fashion and art to tell a story about modern black love in New York City.
He is also working on a remake of the sports comedy White men can’t jump; as well as a film on comedy icon Richard Pryor that Barris is writing to direct and produce; an animated film inspired by Bob Marley’s songs and music; and a musical feature film about Juneteenth that she produced with Pharrell Williams.
Which of these projects are you most looking forward to?
via: Deadline
by Jessica Fisher
Source: Geek Tyrant
