More than 85 years after its release, The Wizard of Oz remains one of the most beloved movies ever made.
The film introduced generations of viewers to Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, and helped set the standard for Hollywood fantasy.
But if the classic movie were made in 2026 instead of 1939, some parts of the production would almost certainly look very different.
Not because the film is considered problematic by today’s standards, but because filmmaking, workplace safety rules, and audience expectations have changed dramatically over the last eight decades.
Here are eight things Hollywood would probably do differently today.
1. The Munchkin Casting Would Spark A Much Bigger Conversation
The residents of Munchkinland were portrayed by actors with dwarfism, creating one of the most memorable scenes in the film.
Today, that casting decision would likely generate significant discussion online.
Some disability advocates might praise the production for creating opportunities for actors with dwarfism, while others could question whether portraying them as fantasy characters reinforces outdated stereotypes.
The conversation wouldn’t necessarily be about whether the casting was right or wrong. It would simply be a much larger public debate than it was in 1939.
2. The Wicked Witch Would Probably Get A More Complex Backstory
The Wicked Witch of the West is one of cinema’s most iconic villains.
She’s also unapologetically evil.
Modern audiences tend to expect more nuance.
Rather than presenting her as a straightforward villain, today’s filmmakers would likely spend considerable time explaining her motivations, struggles, and perspective.
In fact, that’s exactly what happened with the success of Wicked, which reimagines the character as a far more sympathetic figure.
3. The Fake Snow Wouldn’t Be Made From Asbestos
Many of the materials commonly used in Hollywood productions during the 1930s would face far greater scrutiny today.
One of the most famous examples from The Wizard of Oz involved the artificial snow used during the film’s poppy field sequence. Historical accounts indicate the snow effect contained chrysotile asbestos, a material that was widely used at the time but is now known to pose serious health risks.
The film was hardly unique. Throughout much of early Hollywood, productions often relied on chemicals, paints, dusts, and special effects materials that would face significantly stricter safety oversight on modern movie sets.
Today’s productions must comply with extensive workplace safety requirements governing everything from makeup ingredients and airborne particles to pyrotechnics and environmental hazards.
Materials are carefully tested, crews receive safety training, and productions are required to follow detailed health and safety protocols.
In other words, some of the movie magic audiences saw in 1939 would likely require a very different approach in 2026.
4. The Makeup Department Would Have To Follow Very Different Rules
Some of the makeup used in classic Hollywood productions would never make it past modern safety reviews.
Actors often spent long hours wearing heavy makeup and costumes that could be uncomfortable or even hazardous.
One of the most famous examples from The Wizard of Oz involved the original actor cast as the Tin Man, Buddy Ebsen. His silver makeup contained aluminum dust, which reportedly caused a severe reaction after he inhaled the particles.
Ebsen became seriously ill, was hospitalized, and ultimately left the production before filming was completed. The role was later recast with Jack Haley.
The Wicked Witch’s green makeup also came with risks. Actress Margaret Hamilton reportedly suffered burns during a special effects accident involving smoke and pyrotechnics while filming one of the character’s dramatic exits.
Today’s productions face far stricter workplace safety requirements regarding chemicals, makeup ingredients, special effects, and performer protections.
5. Toto And The Other Animals Would Have More Protections On Set
In addition to Toto, Dorothy’s loyal Cairn Terrier companion, the film also featured horses, birds, and other animals used throughout Oz and the Emerald City sequences.
While there is no evidence that the animals in The Wizard of Oz were mistreated, modern productions operate under far stricter animal welfare standards than those that existed in 1939.
Today, animal performers are typically monitored by trained handlers and welfare specialists, and productions must follow detailed guidelines regarding transportation, housing, training methods, working hours, and on-set safety.
Many films also include the familiar “No Animals Were Harmed” certification overseen by animal welfare representatives.
If The Wizard of Oz were filmed today, everything from Toto’s work schedule to the care of the horses and birds appearing on screen would likely be subject to far more oversight than it was during Hollywood’s Golden Age.
6. Dorothy Would Probably Have More Agency
Dorothy remains one of Hollywood’s most beloved protagonists, but modern audiences often expect main characters to take a more active role in shaping their own stories.
In the original film, Dorothy spends much of her journey responding to events around her. She follows the Yellow Brick Road, meets new companions, and works toward returning home, but many of the story’s biggest developments happen to her rather than because of her decisions.
A modern adaptation might place greater emphasis on Dorothy driving the action herself. Screenwriters could give her more opportunities to solve problems, make difficult choices, or take the lead in helping her companions overcome obstacles.
The heart of the character would likely remain unchanged. Dorothy’s kindness, courage, and determination are central to the story.
But the way those traits are expressed on screen would probably reflect modern storytelling trends that favor more proactive heroes.
7. The Emerald City Would Probably Be Much Larger
The Emerald City is one of the most iconic locations in movie history, but by modern fantasy standards, it’s surprisingly modest.
When audiences first saw the city in 1939, it felt enormous. In reality, filmmakers were limited by the technology, budgets, and studio space available at the time.
Much of Oz was created using painted backdrops, practical sets, miniatures, and clever camera work. A modern adaptation would have very different tools at its disposal.
Advances in visual effects would allow filmmakers to create towering emerald skyscrapers, sprawling city districts, massive crowds, and landscapes stretching far beyond what could fit on a soundstage.
The result would likely be visually spectacular. But it might also lose some of the storybook charm that helped make the original so memorable.
8. The Movie Would Probably Be Part Of A Much Bigger Marketing Campaign
When The Wizard of Oz premiered in 1939, studios certainly promoted their films, but the modern movie marketing machine didn’t exist yet.
A major studio releasing it today would likely launch an extensive campaign months before opening day. Teaser trailers, social media accounts, cast interviews, behind-the-scenes videos, merchandise partnerships, and brand collaborations would all be part of the rollout.
Fans might get their first look at Dorothy, Toto, and the Emerald City years before the movie actually arrived in theaters.
The original film became a cultural phenomenon over time. A modern version would likely be positioned as a major event long before audiences ever bought a ticket.
The Movie Itself Has Aged Better Than Many People Expect
What’s remarkable is that The Wizard of Oz remains surprisingly uncontroversial compared to many films from the same era.
While some production practices feel dated through a modern lens, the story itself continues to resonate with audiences nearly a century later.
The technology has changed. The filmmaking process has changed. The culture has changed.
But Dorothy’s journey down the Yellow Brick Road still works.
And that’s probably the strongest sign that the movie got the most important things right the first time.
