Leonardo DiCaprio is turning his attention to one of Hollywood’s most enduring classics. His production company Appian Way is teaming with producer Chad A. Verdi’s Verdi Productions and writer and filmmaker Danny Strong on a new documentary, currently titled Oz, that will dig into the creation of the 1939 MGM musical The Wizard of Oz.
Directed by Tom Donahue, Oz is now in production and is expected to arrive in 2026. Early reporting describes the project as a behind the scenes look at how the original film came together, from the studio system pressures behind it to the creative choices that helped turn L. Frank Baum’s story into one of the most recognizable movies in film history. The team behind the documentary plans to lean on rare archival material from the era, including footage and audio that has not been widely seen or heard, to give viewers a closer look at the production than audiences have had before.
The focus on process makes sense for a movie with a mythology almost as famous as its plot. The 1939 Wizard of Oz starred Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale and has long been held up as a defining example of studio era filmmaking, Technicolor spectacle, and movie musical storytelling. Its journey from black and white Kansas to the vibrant world of Oz, along with its now iconic performances and songs, has shaped generations of fantasy films and stage adaptations.
Even decades later, The Wizard of Oz continues to influence new projects. The story has inspired countless reimaginings and spinoffs, from stage hits to screen prequels, and it remains a touchpoint for filmmakers and audiences whenever anyone talks about movie magic or the power of classic Hollywood. A recent immersive presentation of the film at the Sphere in Las Vegas, which uses updated visuals and a multi sensory theater experience, is just one example of how the title keeps finding new ways to reach viewers.
Oz aims to step back from that long shadow and ask how the original movie came to exist in the first place. By drawing on archival elements from the production and revisiting the choices that shaped everything from the look of the Emerald City to the way Dorothy’s journey was framed, the documentary is positioned as a comprehensive look at the people, technology, and studio politics that helped bring Oz to the screen. The creative team has also signaled that the film will explore the long term cultural impact of The Wizard of Oz, including how its images, costumes, and dialogue still echo through pop culture.
For Appian Way, Oz continues a track record of moving between narrative features and documentary storytelling. DiCaprio has previously been involved in non fiction projects that dig into history, politics, and environmental issues, and partnering on a deep dive into the making of one of Hollywood’s most famous films fits neatly into that lane. With Verdi Productions and Danny Strong also on board, the documentary brings together a mix of feature film, television, and documentary experience.
Specific distribution plans and full participant lists for Oz have not been announced yet, but with production underway and a 2026 release window in play, more concrete details should begin to emerge over the coming months. For movie history fans, musical lovers, and anyone who grew up following the yellow brick road, this new look at the making of The Wizard of Oz is already shaping up to be one of the more closely watched film documentaries on the horizon.