NBC is pulling out some big names for its highly anticipated adaptation of The Wiz Live later this year.

According to a press release from the network, Queen Latifah and Mary J. Blige are officially members of the cast for the upcoming holiday musical production, set to air on Thursday, Dec. 3.

Latifah will star as the Wiz, the mysterious and powerful wizard who holds the keys to the Emerald City. However, her elevation as someone extraordinary is nothing but a hoax, after she was carried to Oz in a hot air balloon during a snowstorm.

"We are so happy reuniting with Latifah," executive producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron said in the statement. "We've been friends for a long time and we've had quite a lot of success together. To see her play the iconic role of the Wiz and make it her own is going to be one of the joys of producing this event.

Blige meanwhile will play Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West, who captures Dorothy and her friends in an attempt to avenge the death of her evil sister, Evvamean and recapture the silver slippers that were given to Dorothy bu the Good Witch of the North.

"I can't wait to watch Mary bring the badness that is Evillene," director Kenny Leon said in the statement. "Her talent range is off the charts and I know audiences won't be able to take their eyes off her."

Unconfirmed reports have also stated that Beyonce and Orange is the New Black star Uzo Aduba are also reportedly in talks to join the all-star cast.

The Wiz Live will be the third annual musical production NBC has put on during the holiday season. The first, airing in 2013, featured Carrie Underwood starring as Maria in The Sound of Music Live. Peter Pan Live aired the following year with Allison Williams in the title role.

A 1978 film version of the musical starred Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow and Diana Ross as Dorothy.

 

 

Tags: The Wiz Live nbc television