In what might be 2025’s most unexpected creative pairing, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani are trading their coaching chairs for producer seats to breathe new life into a beloved classic. The musical power couple has just announced their involvement in “Dorothy” — a fresh spin on L. Frank Baum’s timeless tale that trades Oz’s whimsy for Manhattan’s concrete canyons.
Talk about perfect timing. As theater buffs eagerly await “Wicked: For Good” (the follow-up to last year’s Oscar-nominated adaptation), this small-screen reimagining feels both bold and slightly audacious. While Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande prepare to dazzle moviegoers with their continued exploration of Oz’s most famous frenemies, Shelton and Stefani are cooking up something decidedly different.
“Being part of something that weaves together music, emotion, and Dorothy’s spirit just speaks to me,” Stefani shared recently, her signature enthusiasm practically leaping off the press release. The series promises to transform that iconic tornado-driven journey into something a bit closer to home — the turbulent reality of finding yourself in the big city. (Flying monkeys optional, though Manhattan pigeons can be nearly as threatening.)
Behind this creative shake-up stands Gina Matthews, whose previous work includes “13 Going on 30” and “Isn’t It Romantic.” Matthews — who’s probably worn out several copies of Baum’s books by now — brings both street cred and sincere passion to the project. “Dorothy represents the strength we all need to navigate life’s challenges,” she noted, adding that the character embodies the perfect mix of grit and grace needed to tackle modern-day obstacles.
Shelton’s involvement came naturally, though perhaps unexpectedly for a country star known more for his twang than his takes on musical theater. “Watching Gwen light up about this project — well, that was all it took,” he revealed. Their partnership here mirrors their own unlikely but charming relationship, blending country authenticity with pop cultural savvy.
The creative team’s roster reads like a who’s who of industry heavy-hitters: Lee Metzger, Patrick Moran, and Little Engine’s Grant Scharbo have all signed on. Moran’s enthusiasm feels genuine rather than manufactured: “Everyone involved brings something unique to the table. This isn’t just another reboot — it’s a reinvention.”
While the premiere date remains under wraps (streaming services do love their mysteries), the timing couldn’t be more interesting. With “Wicked: For Good” set to enchant audiences later this year, this series offers a completely different lens through which to view Dorothy’s journey. Gone are the ruby slippers and talking scarecrows — replaced by perhaps equally magical moments of self-discovery in the city that never sleeps.
What makes this adaptation particularly intriguing is its ambitious scope. The yellow brick road becomes more metaphorical than literal — a winding path through career choices, relationships, and the sometimes-overwhelming task of finding one’s place in the world. Sound familiar? It should — it’s the journey every young adult faces, minus the actual wicked witches (though some Manhattan landlords might qualify).
In an entertainment landscape where “reimagining” often means “recycling,” “Dorothy” seems determined to chart its own course. As Scharbo put it — with the kind of confidence that comes from genuine belief in a project — this version of Oz might just capture the imagination of viewers who’ve never given a second thought to flying monkeys or emerald cities.
Sometimes the most magical stories are the ones that hit closest to home. And in this case, home just happens to be a walk-up apartment somewhere between Central Park and Greenwich Village.
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