Walt Disney Pictures has settled on a March 8, 2013 release date for Sam Raimi's Oz: The Great and Powerful. As of now, the only other movie set for release on March 8, 2013 is the Neill Blomkamp sci-fi project Elysium.

James Franco is set to play the title character in this origin story of how he ended up in this magical land of Oz, where he is treated like an actual wizard. Mila Kunis will play Theodorah, the Wicked Witch of the West, Rachel Weisz will play Evanorah, the Wicked witch of the East, and Michelle Williams will play Glinda, the Good Witch of the North. Casting is still under way for other roles in this adventure.

Sam Raimi will direct Oz: The Great and Powerful from a screenplay by David Lindsay-Abaire. Production is scheduled to start in late July, with shooting to take place in Michigan.