Walt Disney Pictures' fantasy adventure Oz The Great and Powerful, directed by Sam Raimi, started filming today at the new Raleigh Studios in Michigan today. 

The film features James Franco, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, and Michelle Williams in a brand new back story about the Wizard of Oz.

Oz The Great and Powerful imagines the origins of L. Frank Baum's beloved character, played by Franco.  When Oscar Diggs, a small-time circus magician with questionable ethics, is swept away from Kansas to the land of Oz. 

Fame and fortune are his for the taking, until he meets three witches, Theodora (Kunis), Evanora (Weisz), and Glinda (Williams), who don't think he's the wizard they've been expecting.

The film is expected to hit theaters on March 8, 2013.