The Wizard of the Emerald City (2024 film)

Production

The project was presented to senior officials at the Russian Minister of Culture in April 2022 to secure government funding. Four major Russian film companies—Nikita Mikhalkov's Studio TriTe, Kinoslovo, CGF, and Central Partnership Productions—carried out the film with support from the Russian Cinema Fund. The Jack Russell Terrier named Udzher played Totoshka, with Denis Vlasenko providing the dog's voice. Casting the Tin Woodman proved challenging, but Yuri Kolokolnikov was ultimately chosen.

The Cowardly Lion was created entirely with computer-generated imagery, with Artur Vakha conveying the character's facial expressions and movements. Principal photography ran from June 2023 to mid-July, taking place in the Republic of Dagestan on the road from Makhachkala to Buynaksk, as well as in Moscow and Moscow Oblast. In Buynaksky District, the crew filmed Ellie and her friends crossing a poppy field.

Reception

Russian press reviews were mixed. KinoPoisk gave restrained praise, noting the finale's battle scene on a dilapidated bridge could touch even callous audiences. Film.ru highlighted the chemistry of the quartet of friends and Ellie as an antidote to grumbling. Kommersant assessed the film skeptically, stating beautiful pictures replace each other mechanically.

Mir Fantastiki called it a film for undemanding viewers satisfied by colorful pictures and a good message. Gazeta.Ru crushed the film, deeming it an extremely boring and stuffy spectacle. Afisha compared it unfavorably to the Russian fantasy film Finist. The First Warrior. Both positive and negative reviews noted the high-quality special effects, the film's exclusive targeting of children, and criticism that only the first half of the book's plot was included.

Did You Know?

• The film tells the story of Ellie Smith, who is carried by a hurricane conjured by the evil witch Gingema to the land of Munchkins.
• The premiere was originally scheduled for December 26, 2024, before being postponed to January 1, 2025.
• A sequel, The Wizard of the Emerald City. Part II, is scheduled for 2027.