Two of Hollywood's most iconic classic films are set to receive a “diverse” reboot from Hollywood writer Kenya Barris, who plans to change the main characters to “people of color.”
Barris has written or directed a number of race-centric titles since 2020, including television shows.#BlackAF” and “dark“And the movie”you' and its remakewhite men can't jump. ”
Barris' next venture will reportedly be a reimagining of two industry classics: “The Wizard of Oz” and “It's a Wonderful Life.”
The Oz movie uses a completely different setting, taking place in an apartment complex called the Bottoms in Inglewood, California, where the new Dorothy will live.
“The original 'Wizard of Oz' was set during the Great Depression and was about independence and what people were going through,” Barris said. variety. “I think it's the perfect time to change the characters and talk about how someone imagines what their life would be like.”
The writer also told talk show host Jimmy Fallon about his plans to intentionally feature “diverse” characters.
“I think this is the best time to hold a mirror up to society because we need to look at ourselves, and I want to do that with diverse characters,” he told Fallon. “The character lives in Inglewood, but someone comes along and she ends up in the Underhood, which is just outside of Oz, and that's where the story begins.”
“I not only wanted to make people think, but I also wanted to make people feel good, and I also wanted people who didn't feel seen to feel seen,” Barris added.
The director will also take on the challenge of rebooting the 1946 Christmas classic.It's a wonderful lifeBarris explained that the film's plot is a story perfect for actors with “black or brown” skin to play.
“I think Christmas movies are great. I think the idea of taking something that has a long history and a story behind it and putting in great talent to tell that story is great,” Barris explained.
“This is a guy who's trying to help his community, and things turn around for him. I think this is a great story for black and brown and other people of color to be a part of, because… There are some issues in our community and someone who is trying to help that community. I think that's the perfect medium to tell that story.”
The 50-year-old went on to say that although he has received criticism for using other people's intellectual property, he believes certain stories should be told “over and over again.”
He called doing remakes of classic films a “gift” that he hopes to continue earning.
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