The always excellent Rachel Weisz (THE FOUNTAIN) is the latest in talks to join the cast of Sam Raimi’s upcoming WIZARD OF OZ prequel OZ: THE GREAT AND POWERFUL as the film’s antagonist, the wicked witch Evanora.

Already confirmed are James Franco (YOUR HIGHNESS; this years OSCAR train-wreck) as the wizard himself (actually a shady snake-oil salesman transported to Oz via enchanted balloon), and the beautiful but bulbous-eyed Mila Kunis (BLACK SWAN) as Evanora’s sister Theodora.

OZ: THE GREAT AND POWERFUL is just one of six(!) Oz projects heading to our screens over the next few years, facing competition from Drew Barrymore’s SURRENDER DOROTHY; Leigh Scott’s THE WITCHES OF OZ; and comic book adaptation DARK OZ to name but a few of the main contenders (direct-to-video TOM AND JERRY AND THE WIZARD OF OZ shouldn’t be causing Disney any sleepless nights.)

With Raimi at the helm expect this to film to deliver in a big way – his dynamic shooting style and visual perfectionism making him an inspired choice to bring L. Frank Baum’s world back to life.

Are you ready to Return To Oz? Frustrated Raimi isn’t just getting on with EVIL DEAD 4 dammit? Let us know with your comments below!