Gwen Stefani is making a musical Wizard of Oz TV series called ‘Dorothy’

Pop superstar Gwen Stefani will be making a sweet escape down the Yellow Brick Road, as she’s working on Dorothy, a TV series re-imagining of The Wizard of Oz for Prime Video.

“What You Waiting For?” hitmaker Gwen Stefani will be teaming up with her husband and collaborator, country music star Blake Shelton, as executive producers on the new series.

According to Deadline the show, set to be entitled Dorothy, is “a contemporary, music-infused YA retelling” of L. Frank Baum’s 1900 book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and will be set in modern day Manhattan, New York.

Deadline reports that the series will use the Yellow Brick Road as a metaphor for the “challenges and choices facing young adults” in modern society.

Dorothy will be created and produced by producer Gina Matthews, known for her work on romantic fantasies including 13 Going On 30, What Women Want and Isn’t It Romantic, starring Rebel Wilson.

“I’ve been in love with The Wizard of Oz books since I was a child,” Matthews said in a statement.

“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. I’m excited to bring that message to the world, now more than ever.”

Speaking about her involvement in the series, three-time Grammy award-winner Stefani said: “It’s a creative and modern take on a classic, and being part of something that blends music, emotion, and the character of Dorothy is inspiring to me.”

Shelton said that he knew his wife would “connect with” the upcoming project.

“We’re really excited about all the possibilities this show brings, and I’m so grateful that Gina shared the idea with me and Lee,” he said.

“I knew right away it was something Gwen would connect with. Her creativity and perspective are such a natural fit for this project.”

Baum’s book was adapted into the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz starring Judy Garland as Dorothy. The story, which sees its protagonist escape a small town, enter a world of wonderment and colour, and make new friends, became hugely popular with the LGBTQ+ community. It is often seen as reflecting the experiences of queer people who leave oppressive environments and encounter their chosen family on the way.

From the 1940s onward, the term “Friend of Dorothy” became a code term used predominately by gay men to indicate that they are part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Wicked, a novel, stage show and film prequel to Baum’s The Wizard of Oz, has also become an integral piece of popular culture for queer people, due to the perceived sapphic connection between its leads, Elphaba and Glinda.

Wicked: For Good, the second part of the film adaptation starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in the aforementioned lead roles, is due for release on 21 November.

There is currently no release date for Dorothy.

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