Return To Oz: Interview With Joey King From Oz The Great and Powerful

Finley (voiced by Zach Braff), left; China Girl (voidced by Joey King), center; James Franco, right
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Walt Disney Pictures releases it most ambitious film in showing how the legendary story of the Wizard of Oz and how the a man became the wizard in “Oz The Great and Powerful” directed by Sam Raimi.

The teenage actress Joey King plays a key role in the new version as China Girl. She has been working in films since the age of four years old and was in some huge blockbuster such as last years “The Dark Knight Rises” and “Battle Los Angeles” to animated voice work on such films as “Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs” and “Horton Hears a Who!”.

M.U.S.E. talks to King about her role as China Girl in the film and how it is working in this highly visual film that is released in theaters tomorrow.

M.U.S.E. – What made you want to take the role of China Girl in Oz The Great and Powerful?

Joey King – I got for called right to the screen test and met Sam Raimi we test let loose and have fun. When I first read (the script) I just wanted to do and be China Girl. When I got the role I was so excited.

M.U.S.E. – How was it working with Sam Raimi? 

Joey King – Sam Raimi is just brilliant and the nicest person. So detailed in what he does and doesn’t make you crazy with the little word placement. He wants to talk to you about your character and wants to know what you are comfortable with in the role. Sam, James (Franco), Zach Braff and I would sometimes talk for two hours about what to do with a scene. He is such a great director and friend.

M.U.S.E. – How was it working with the cast of Oz?

Joey King – Zach and James were the teasing ones but are like big brothers and Michelle Williams was like a mother the mom on the set. Zach and I played a few pranks on each other, Zach put a signed picture of himself from Scrubs on my recording booth door and I put one of myself as well saying thanks for being a fan on his recording booth door. Then I toilet papered his room another day it was a lot of fun and silly. 

M.U.S.E. – So from all the voice work you have done how was Oz different?

Joey King – It was different because they used a new technology and it was not just voice they also filmed my face and attached my facial expressions onto China Girl. That was really cool this new technology and to play this character in the prequel to the Wizard of Oz was so cool and loved filming it.

M.U.S.E. – How you think the film will last over time such as how timeless the Wizard of Oz which has been a classic for almost 75 years?

Joey King – I think it is going to be a classic. We are not trying to be the Wizard of Oz but our own film and hoping that people really enjoy this film. 

M.U.S.E. – What would you like kids and teens to take out of the film?

Joey King – I want them to take away this amazing film that was done in honor of the Wizard of Oz. I think because there is so much to the film suspense, good guy/bad guy but their is a sense of humor and lightness that kids will love. They will become so attached to this movie, to these characters and take away something special. 

M.U.S.E. – When you go to Disneyland and you see your doll in the stores on Main Street how will that feel when you see your likeness?

Joey King – Its’ surreal that was me and it is crazy for me to be part of this. It was so cool being in the film and they made a doll dresses for China Girl that I am so happy to be apart of it. 

Joey King along with James Franco, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, Michelle Williams and Zach Braff can be seen tomorrow in the Disney film “Oz The Great and Powerful” in 3D and standard theaters near you.