While watching stranger things over the break I heard them say that the wiz was a flop. In my childhood it did numbers and I constantly rewatched it on DVD! Diana Ross and Michael Jackson in one movie you would think that it would be a success.
It is said that the expenses of the movie did not out do the ticket sells in the box office. The pacing and the unique style of the movie turned dozens of movie-goers away including the casting of Diana Ross due to her age. Dorthy is famously known to be a young teenaged girl. Which another actress Stephanie Mills had already been playing the role on broadway. She was originally in mind for the role, but was over looked by Diana’s star power and connection to get Michael to join the cast.
I have included a article by Luke macy sharing the critiques made about the movie! It truly is an interesting read of movie critic Robert Ebert having an opposing view to the general public.
Roger Ebert Loved Michael Jackson’s Infamously Hated Musical Set in Oz by Luke Macy
Interesting how much the publics view can make or break a movie. Even though it didn’t get as much love in the 80’s, it is now considered a Cult classic and even mentioned in the #1 rated Tv show on Netflix in 2025!
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