Leonardo DiCaprio Produces Documentary About ‘The Wizard of Oz’

LOS ANGELES, CA — Leonardo DiCaprio‘s Appian Way Productions and Chad A. Verdi‘s Verdi Productions have teamed up to create a documentary titled “Oz,” which explores the making of the iconic film, “The Wizard of Oz.” Directed by Tom Donahue, the documentary is currently in production and aims to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the 1939 production that tested the limits of its creators, including director Victor Fleming and star Judy Garland.

DiCaprio expressed his excitement, saying, “The Wizard of Oz remains deeply embedded in our culture, and its impact continues to resonate today. We’re fortunate to have the chance to tell the story alongside Danny Strong, Chad Verdi, and the team at Verdi Productions.” The documentary will include never-before-seen footage and audio, shedding light on how the beloved classic was forged during a challenging period in Hollywood.

Donahue’s film will explore why “The Wizard of Oz” became one of the most influential films ever made, despite its initial struggles to achieve profitability. Film historian Leonard Maltin noted its high costs and how it only turned a profit through re-releases and television broadcasts, which cemented its place in popular culture.

“Oz” marks the fourth collaboration between Appian Way and Verdi Productions, following projects like “Sleepwalker” and “Carthage Must Be Destroyed.” Verdi mentioned, “Both companies are united by a shared commitment to telling meaningful and captivating stories. The behind-the-scenes history of its making is even more extraordinary and has yet to be fully told until now.”

In addition to DiCaprio and Verdi, the production team includes Danny Strong, Ilan Arboleda’s CreativeChaos vmg, and several other producers. Strong emphasized the honor of telling the story of such a significant piece of international cinema, praising the collaboration with skilled filmmakers. Filming is currently taking place in Rhode Island, with the documentary set for a release in 2026.