Come March 8th, 2013, a spectacular world full of peculiar creatures, beautiful and powerful witches, and vibrant colors will unfold before our eyes. The story and its characters, while whimsical, is no stranger to the endless realm of pure fantasy. Director Sam Raimi and Disney invites you to step into the Land of Oz, with the film’s first full length trailer.

Meet The Man Behind the Curtain

Victor Fleming’s 1939 classic followed the adventures of Dorothy and her dog Toto, as they trekked through the wonderful world of Oz and met several friends along the way – Tin Man, Scarecrow and Cowardly Lion. However, though Dorothy defeated The Wicked Witch, audiences were not fully introduced to the beloved man for which Oz was named after. Until now.

Based on  L. Frank Baum’s novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Oz: The Great & Powerful tells the story of Oscar ‘OZ’ Diggs (James Franco), a magician who desires more from his mundane and colorless life, but before he can be that great man he must first believe in himself.

One day, a mysterious storm brews and Oscar is pulled out of his world and into a vivid and fantastical place, home to an array of unimaginable creatures. Due to his “powers” to make the unbelievable believable, the people believe that Oscar is their savior, the man they’ve been wait for, the great and majestic wizard. That is until he meets a trio of witches — Theodora, Evanora and Glinda — whose battle to control the fate of Oz will force Oscar to become a hero, whether or not he’s ready to do so.

Creating A Land of Pure Wonder

Throughout the years, Raimi’s proved that his visions for the screen travel beyond the horror genre for which he first gained recognition. At a time when many believed the bright and colorful days of superheroes on screen had passed, Raimi introduced us to Spider-Man, the franchise that would re-launch how Hollywood saw comic book titles forever.

His vision continues as he challenges us to enter the land just over the rainbow. You’d think that being a prequel, Raimi would have less control of the creative power, but he flexes his muscle once again as he introduces Finely, a the timid flying monkey voiced by Zach Braff and China Girl, voiced by Joey King, who played the prisoned young child in The Dark Knight Rises.

If you take a look at the footage, there’s no way you can stop Tim Burton‘s Alice In Wonderland from entering your mind. In fact, remove all accredited text, and you’d think it actually was a Burton film. For Raimi, he’ll have to prove to audiences that this isn’t just another Wonderland occurrence. If he takes the right steps,  that won’t be a difficult thing to do, especially since Wonderland had several missteps of its own.

Three Witches, One Wicked Witch of the West

The debacle remains: Exactly who is the great Wicked Witch of the West? The trailer gives us a taste of Mila Kunis as Theodora, Rachel Weisz as Evanora, and Michelle Williams as Glinda. Each have carved out and supremely mastered the witches’ characteristics and personas.

Disney released a poster several weeks ago which showed the evil witch clad in knee-high boots. Though separated from the Wicked Witch, Mila Kunis wears the same boots in the spread sheet pictured above the title, and she’s the closest to our green-skinned broom rider. Her sly behavior in the opening of the trailer may also be a hint.

But then again there’s Rachel Weisz’ Evenora, and her actions in the trailer — fighting against Glinda — could be the sign we’ve been waiting for. Is she the one donning the iconic pointed black hat. Either way, Disney & Raimi are doing a fantastic job keeping her a mystery. From the hand to her fire risen shadow, The Wicked Witch of the West is not one to be reckoned with, especially with those terrifying flying monkeys by her side.

Related: Actress of the Week – Mila Kunis

What Are Your Thoughts?

Who could be the the Wicked Witch of the West? Are you a fan of the new trailer and it’s visuals? Be sure to leave a comment in the box below.

‘OZ: The Great and Powerful’ Movie Trailer