Lea Michele Wizard of Oz Film

By: Jennifer Hong
Staff Writer
Published: Jun 13, 2010

Lea Michele Wizard of Oz film coming soon. Glee's Lea Michele has signed to voice the lead role in Dorothy of Wizard of Oz, a new animated 3D movie opening next year. The film will be Lea Michele's first work in features since her success on the TV series Glee and on Broadway.

The film, which is being produced by independent company Summertime Entertainment, is based on a book by L. Frank Baum's great-grandson, Roger S. Baum. The story continues the iconic adventures of the early 20th century book series. Hugh Dancy and Patrick Stewart are also new additions to the cast, while producers have announced that pop-singer Bryan Adams will write music and lyrics for the production.

Dorothy of Oz continues a trend of Hollywood development for 3-D movies. Walt Disney wants to turn the Oz into a new movie franchise by launching another segment called "The Great and Powerful Oz." Other voice talent on board includes Jim Belushi as the Lion, Dan Aykroyd as the Scarecrow and Kelsey Grammer as the Tin Man.

Michele, 23, began working professionally as a child actor on Broadway in productions such as Les Miserables. She appeared in several more musicals before being selected for the lead role in the hit musical "Spring Awakening," earning a Drama Desk Award nomination for her performance. Michele has recently received widespread acclaim, and several award nominations, for her performance as Rachel Berry in the Fox television series Glee, which premiered in May 2009.