As the buzz around the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic Michael reaches a fever pitch, there's a perfect way to revisit the King of Pop's singular big-screen performance: The Wiz, now streaming on Netflix. This audacious 1978 musical reimagines The Wizard of Oz with a soulful, Motown-infused twist, and it features Jackson in his only feature film role as the Scarecrow. Forget the biopic for a moment—this is the Michael Jackson movie you need to watch right now.
A Bold Reimagining of a Classic
Directed by Sidney Lumet—better known for gritty New York dramas like Serpico and Dog Day Afternoon—The Wiz transports Dorothy Gale (Diana Ross) from Kansas to a fantastical version of New York City. Here, she's a lonely schoolteacher, not a farm girl, and her journey through Oz is a vibrant, sometimes melancholic exploration of self-discovery. The film's lavish production design and Motown-inspired score make the 1939 original look almost subdued by comparison.
Jackson, then on the cusp of his legendary solo career, brings a tender vulnerability to the Scarecrow. His performance is a bittersweet reminder of the acting career he might have had, had his music and schedule not taken over. The film also marked his first collaboration with Quincy Jones, the producer who would later helm Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad.
Why Michael Jackson's Scarecrow Steals the Show
From his first appearance, Jackson's Scarecrow is the heart of The Wiz. He modernizes Ray Bolger's classic portrayal with a soft-spoken, sensitive demeanor that mirrors Jackson's own public persona. The Scarecrow's quest for a brain becomes a poignant metaphor for alienation and longing, and the film springs to life whenever Jackson sings and dances. His performance underlines both the wonder and heartbreak of Oz as a dream world.
While the film has its slow moments, Jackson's energy is infectious. It's no wonder that The Wiz has developed a cult following over the years, recently earning a spot in the Criterion Collection. For those curious about the actor Jackson could have been, this is an essential watch.
A Musical Spectacle with a Gritty Edge
What makes The Wiz so fascinating is its blend of glitzy musical spectacle and Lumet's signature character drama. The director, known for extracting powerhouse performances, allows the cast—including Ross, Jackson, and a young Nipsey Russell as the Tin Man—to shine. Yet the film is also surprisingly sad, with the Oz quartet spending as much time crying as they do singing. This emotional weight taps into L. Frank Baum's original themes of loneliness and the Black experience in late-'70s America, making it a rewarding rewatch.
If you're looking for a fresh take on a Hollywood classic, The Wiz is now streaming on Netflix. It's a messy, confounding, yet utterly captivating film that endures as a testament to Michael Jackson's brief but memorable acting career. And if you're hungry for more Jackson content, check out our coverage of the Michael Jackson biopic's impressive audience score and the controversy surrounding it.
For more streaming recommendations, don't miss our Weekend Watchlist and Netflix Binge Guide.
