Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 30, 2025 · Entertainment

Oz Reboot: Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton Stir Internet Debate

A new 'young adult' re-imagining of the Wizard of Oz is in the works, and the internet has been left divided over the news. Seen is a still from the original film

The Wizard of Oz Gets a Young Adult Makeover: But Will It Be a Magic Carpet Ride or a Crash Landing?

In a move that's left fans divided, Amazon Prime is set to unleash a new "young adult" retelling of the beloved classic, The Wizard of Oz. And we're not just talking about any ordinary reboot – no, this one's been conjured up by none other than pop royalty Gwen Stefani and country heartthrob Blake Shelton.

According to Deadline, the dynamic duo has teamed up with writer Gina Matthews (known for her work on What Women Want, 13 Going on 30, and Isn't It Romantic) to bring a fresh spin to the timeless tale. And let's just say it's going to be a wild ride.

Deadline reported earlier this week that the beloved 1939 movie is being transformed into a modern Amazon Prime series produced by Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton (seen in March)

The new series, titled Dorothy, will use the Yellow Brick Road as a metaphor for the challenges facing young adults today – because what's more relatable than that? Matthews has promised a "contemporary, music-infused YA retelling" of L. Frank Baum's classic books, but fans are already crying foul.

As soon as the news hit the web, social media was flooded with opinions – and not all of them were kind. "This sounds truly dreadful," spat one Twitter user (yes, folks, Twitter is now called X). "Who wanted this?" another asked, while a third theorized that it's going to be "cringe AF."

But don't just take their word for it. We dug deeper and found some of the most scathing reviews:

The new show, entitled Dorothy, is described as a 'contemporary, music-infused YA retelling of based on L. Frank Baum’s books.' Judy Garland is seen as Dorothy in the original 1939 film

  • "'This is going to be a disaster! Mark my words," warned one fan.
  • "'Not another classic film getting a pointless revamp,'" agreed another.
  • "'Each word is more horrifying than the last,'" read a particularly scathing review.

But not everyone's been so quick to judge. Some fans are actually excited about the new take, with one gushing, "Love that idea, it’s a fresh way to connect classic stories with youth journeys."

And as for Matthews and Shelton? They're thrilled to be bringing this modern twist to life. In a statement to Deadline, Matthews revealed her lifelong love affair with The Wizard of Oz books: "The story reminds us of the qualities we need to get through hard times, and Dorothy is a symbol of strength who shows us that with a little kindness – and a lot of grit – we can not only achieve great things but also lift up those around us."

It will 'use the Yellow Brick Road as a metaphor for the challenges and choices facing young adults today.' A still from the original film is seen

Shelton chimed in, saying, "We're really excited about all the possibilities this show brings, and I'm so grateful that Gina shared the idea with me and [co-producer] Lee Metzger. I knew right away it was something Gwen would connect with. Her creativity and perspective are such a natural fit for this project."

Stefani added her own two cents: "Being part of something that blends music, emotion, and the character of Dorothy is inspiring to me."

So what's behind this sudden obsession with rebooting beloved classics? Is it just a case of Hollywood wanting to milk their profits or is there something more sinister at play?

Immediately after the news hit the web, fans took to X to share their thoughts - and while some were overjoyed by the classic story getting a new take, others were not so excited

The Wizard of Oz has been a staple of American pop culture for generations. The 1939 movie starring Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr, Billie Burke, and Margaret Hamilton remains one of the most iconic films of all time – earning five Academy Award nominations in the process.

But as we all know, old favorites can be hard to top. Will this new take manage to cast a spell on audiences or will it end up being a modern-day retelling of the classic "what not to do"? Only time (and ratings) will tell.

The Original Magic

'Being part of something that blends music, emotion, and the character of Dorothy is inspiring to me,' Stefani gushed

Before we dive into what's in store for us, let's take a trip down memory lane. The Wizard of Oz tells the story of Dorothy Gale, a young girl from Kansas who gets transported to a magical world during a tornado. There, she embarks on a journey down the Yellow Brick Road with her new friends – a Scarecrow, a Tin Man, and a Cowardly Lion.

The movie is full of memorable characters, including Munchkins, flying monkeys, and an evil witch or two (or three). But despite its colorful cast, it's the themes that have stood the test of time. The Wizard of Oz reminds us of the importance of kindness, friendship, and believing in oneself.

So, what do you think? Will this new take be a magical makeover or a modern-day disaster? Share your thoughts with us!

Stay tuned for more updates on Dorothy, coming soon to Amazon Prime!