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Oz the Great and Powerful (2013) movie poster

Timeline

Oz the Great and Powerful (2013) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2013 · 130 min · English
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Directed by
Sam Raimi
Starring
James Franco, Rachel Weisz, Michelle Williams, Mila Kunis
Budget
$215M

A charismatic circus magician named Oscar Diggs finds himself transported from Kansas to the magical land of Oz. Initially seeking fame and fortune, Oscar soon discovers that the witches Theodora, Evanora, and Glinda have their own agendas. He must journey through a perilous landscape, confronting challenges and blurring the lines between good and evil, to protect Oz from looming dangers and ultimately find his place in this extraordinary world.

Action Adventure Fantasy Family Cast, crew & box office
On this page (7)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (15)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 The book behind the movie
  5. 5 Movie threads
  6. 6 Movies like Oz the Great and Powerful
  7. 7 Every angle
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15 events in order · contains spoilers

Oz the Great and Powerful Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of Oz the Great and Powerful (2013) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Oscar's Ambitious Illusions

    In 1905 Kansas, Oscar Diggs, an ambitious illusionist and con man, struggles to make ends meet while performing at a traveling circus. Despite his enchanting tricks, his career is stalling and he seeks to impress a new assistant named May with a wooden music box, an heirloom he claims to have inherited.

    When
    1905
    Where
    Kansas

  2. The Failed Performance

    During one of Oscar's performances, a heckler exposes the visible wires used in a levitation trick, leading to chaos in the audience. The situation worsens when a desperate girl in a wheelchair asks Oscar to 'make her walk,' an impossible request that he cannot fulfill, causing the crowd to turn hostile.

    Where
    Circus tent

  3. An Old Flame Reintroduced

    Outside the circus tent, Oscar's assistant Frank informs him about a mysterious female visitor in his caravan. It is revealed that this woman is Annie, an old flame of Oscar's, sparking unresolved feelings and regret about their past connection.

    Where
    Circus grounds

  4. Chased by Danger

    As tension builds, a strongman at the fair, angry over Oscar's relationship with Annie, starts chasing him through the fairground. In a bid to escape the strongman's wrath, Oscar hops into a hot air balloon but soon finds himself caught in a massive tornado.

    Where
    Fairground

  5. Arrival in Oz

    Oscar is whisked away by the tornado to the vibrant, mystical land of Oz. Here, he encounters sentient plants and mischievous fairies, bewildered by the fantastical sights around him as he searches for help.

    Where
    Oz

  6. Theodora's Prophecy

    In Oz, Oscar meets Theodora, a captivating young witch who reveals that a great wizard named Oz is destined to save the land from the Wicked Witch. Taken by her charm, Oscar tries to embrace his new role while humorously downplaying the significance of witches.

    Where
    Oz

  7. Emerald City Encounter

    As Oscar and Theodora make their way to the Emerald City, she confesses her growing feelings for him. In a bid to win her affection, Oscar gifts her a wooden music box, a token he has given to other women before, trying to build a connection amidst the unfolding chaos.

    Where
    Emerald City

  8. Rescue of Finley

    Their adventure brings them across a tangle of man-eating plants, where they encounter Finley, a winged Capuchin monkey who needs rescuing. This encounter reinforces their growing camaraderie, with Oscar realizing the importance of teamwork and loyalty.

    Where
    Oz

  9. Meeting the China Girl

    Traveling deeper into Oz, the trio finds a haunted porcelain town where they meet the China Girl. Damaged by the Wicked Witch's actions, she pledges her loyalty to Oscar in exchange for glue to fix herself, further expanding their group.

    Where
    Porcelain town

  10. Confrontation with the Wicked Witch

    The journey leads them to an ominous cemetery where they confront the disguised Wicked Witch. The witch reveals her plans for power through her sister Evanora, introducing a new layer of deception and danger that they must navigate.

    Where
    Cemetery

  11. Summoning Courage

    As the Wicked Witch's forces close in, Oscar must rely on his cunning and craft illusions to save himself and his friends. The perilous situation forces him to confront his real identity, not just as a charlatan but as a potential leader.

    Where
    Oz

  12. Transformation of Theodora

    In a shocking twist, Evanora reveals her power by transforming Theodora into a bitter version of herself. This moment challenges Oscar to face the moral complexities of good and evil as he finds himself at the center of the conflict.

    Where
    Oz

  13. Climactic Showdown

    The final confrontation escalates into a visually spectacular duel involving mechanical illusions and stunning fireworks. United, the villagers join Oscar in standing against their oppressors, leading to a fierce battle between the forces of light and darkness.

    Where
    Emerald City

  14. Oscar's True Journey

    Oscar ultimately embraces his role as a symbol of hope rather than a powerful wizard. Through friendship and courage, he inspires the people of Oz and proves that his real magic lies in kindness and bravery.

    Where
    Oz

  15. A Heartfelt Farewell

    In the aftermath of the battle, Oz expresses gratitude to his friends and allies, rewarding them for their loyalty. He shares a heartfelt moment with Glinda, sealing their bond with a kiss and signifying his acceptance of responsibility and love.

    Where
    Emerald City

Last updated: November 03, 2024 at 11:17

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Timeline questions answered

Oz the Great and Powerful Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of Oz the Great and Powerful (2013): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

How does Oscar end up in Oz?

Oscar escapes into a hot air balloon to flee from a furious strongman who is angry about Oscar's connection to Annie. While in the balloon, he gets caught in a massive tornado that transports him from Kansas to the magical land of Oz.

  • tornado
  • kansas
  • arrival in oz
  • how oscar arrives
Q2

Why does Theodora become a wicked witch?

Theodora is manipulated by her sister Evanora, who tricks her into eating a cursed apple (or similar dark magic) after Oscar rejects her love. This corrupts her, turning her from a good witch into the Wicked Witch of the West.

Foreshadowing: Theodora's vulnerability and Oscar's pattern of using women for his own gain plant the seeds for her transformation.

  • theodora transformation
  • wicked witch
  • evanora manipulation
  • apple curse
Q3

Is Glinda the same person as Annie from Kansas?

Yes, Glinda is revealed to be played by the same actress (Michelle Williams) who plays Annie in Kansas. This is a key twist showing that the kind witch Glinda shares a connection to Oscar's past life in Kansas.

Foreshadowing: The chemistry between Oscar and Annie in Kansas foreshadows his connection to Glinda in Oz.

  • glinda
  • annie
  • twist reveal
  • same actress
  • kansas connection
Q4

Why can Oscar perform magic in Oz when he's just a con man?

Oscar cannot actually perform real magic. His "magic" in Oz comes from elaborate illusions, tricks, and mechanical devices, similar to his circus performances. The people of Oz simply believe he is the prophesied wizard, so his illusions work as "magic" to them.

Foreshadowing: His career as a circus illusionist establishes that his tricks are merely sleight of hand, not real magic.

  • illusions
  • real magic vs trickery
  • con man
  • wizard powers
Q5

What is the prophecy about the wizard Oz?

The prophecy foretells that a great wizard named Oz will arrive in the land of Oz to save it from the Wicked Witch. Theodora believes Oscar is this prophesied savior, though he is initially just a con man from Kansas.

Foreshadowing: Theodora's introduction immediately establishes the prophetic narrative that drives the plot.

  • prophecy
  • theodora
  • saviour
  • wizard destiny
Q6

Why does Oscar give the music box to multiple women?

The wooden music box is not a genuine heirloom, it is a prop Oscar uses to manipulate women. He gives it to May in Kansas and later to Theodora in Oz as a tactic to win their affection, revealing his manipulative nature.

Foreshadowing: Oscar's gift to May in Kansas establishes his pattern of using the same token to deceive women.

  • music box
  • manipulation
  • theodora
  • may
  • token of affection
Q7

Why does Oscar decide to stay in Oz?

Oscar initially wants to return to Kansas, but over time he grows to care about the people of Oz, particularly Theodora, Glinda, and his new friends like Finley and the China Girl. He ultimately chooses to stay and protect Oz because he has become their symbol of hope.

Foreshadowing: His growing bonds with Theodora, Finley, and the China Girl show his transformation from selfish to selfless.

  • oz as home
  • staying in oz
  • character growth
  • hope symbol
Q8

How does Oscar defeat Evanora?

Oscar uses his skills as an illusionist to create elaborate tricks and mechanical devices rather than real magic. He outsmarts Evanora through cleverness and courage, ultimately defeating her in a spectacular final confrontation involving flying balloons and fireworks.

Foreshadowing: His circus background and quick-thinking escape from the winged creature earlier in the film demonstrate his resourcefulness.

  • evanora defeat
  • final battle
  • illusion vs real magic
  • victory
Q9

Does Oscar gain real magical powers by the end?

No, Oscar never gains real magical powers. He remains a con man and illusionist throughout the film. His "magic" is always his cleverness, creativity, and ability to inspire hope in others, not actual sorcery.

Foreshadowing: His confession to Theodora that he is merely a con man establishes he has no real magical abilities.

  • real magic
  • powers
  • no powers
  • illusionist
Q10

Why does the China Girl join Oscar's group?

The China Girl is a damaged porcelain figure from a town destroyed by the Wicked Witch. She joins Oscar after he trades glue to repair her, and she pledges loyalty to him in exchange. She becomes a loyal companion for the rest of the journey.

Foreshadowing: Oscar's willingness to help the China Girl demonstrates his developing capacity for genuine kindness.

  • china girl
  • porcelain town
  • loyalty
  • glue
  • companion
Q11

What is the relationship between the three witches?

Theodora and Evanora are sisters, while Glinda is their sister as well. However, Evanora is secretly the true Wicked Witch who seeks power, while Glinda is the good witch who helps Oscar. Theodora starts as good but is manipulated into becoming wicked.

Foreshadowing: The witches' complex relationships are revealed through Glinda's disclosure at the cemetery.

  • theodora
  • evanora
  • glinda
  • sisters
  • witch family
Q12

How does this movie connect to The Wizard of Oz?

Oz the Great and Powerful is a prequel set years before the original 1939 film. It explains how the wizard (Oscar) arrived in Oz and the origin of the Wicked Witch. However, this film's events occur in a separate continuity from the classic.

  • prequel
  • connection
  • original movie
  • wizard of oz timeline
Q13

Why does Glinda fight her sister Evanora?

Glinda fights Evanora because Evanora is the true villain seeking to conquer Oz through deception and dark magic. Despite being sisters, Glinda opposes her sister's evil plans and ultimately confronts her in the climactic battle.

Foreshadowing: Glinda reveals her sister's nefarious plans at the cemetery, setting up their eventual confrontation.

  • glinda vs evanora
  • sisters fight
  • good vs evil
  • final battle

Movie threads

More Movies Like Oz the Great and Powerful, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Oz the Great and Powerful tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Whimsical Fantasy Journeys like Oz the Great and Powerful

Hopeful adventures where charismatic characters explore spectacular, whimsical worlds. Fans of Oz the Great and Powerful will enjoy these movies that share a similar sense of spectacular, whimsical adventure. Discover similar fantasy stories where charismatic characters explore magical lands filled with wonder, charm, and a steady sense of hopeful discovery.

  • magical
  • hopeful
  • adventurous
  • charming
  • spectacular
  • playful
  • Tone: whimsical, hopeful
  • Pacing: steady adventure
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative follows a classic, straightforward journey where a charismatic protagonist enters a magical world. The story is driven by exploration, meeting unique characters, and encountering challenges that test their wit and character rather than just their strength. The plot is steady, moving from one enchanting location to the next, ultimately building towards a hopeful conclusion where the hero finds their true purpose through ingenuity and heart.

Why they belong together: These movies are grouped by their shared optimistic, whimsical tone and steady pacing. They create a cohesive experience of light-hearted adventure, balancing spectacle with charming character moments. The focus is on wonder and discovery rather than darkness or excessive conflict, making them perfect for a hopeful, magical escape.

The Magic Faraway Tree movie poster

The Magic Faraway Tree

2026
Upon the Magic Roads movie poster

Upon the Magic Roads

2021
Charming movie poster

Charming

2018
The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm movie poster

The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm

1962
The Magic Riddle movie poster

The Magic Riddle

1991
The Wizard of Oz movie poster

The Wizard of Oz

1939
Enchanted movie poster

Enchanted

2007
The Wizard of Oz movie poster

The Wizard of Oz

1982

Redemption Stories like Oz the Great and Powerful

Stories where a self-serving charmer discovers their hidden courage and goodness. If you liked the journey of Oscar Diggs in Oz the Great and Powerful, you'll enjoy these movies about charming rogues and reluctant heroes finding redemption. Explore similar tales of self-discovery where clever con artists and flawed characters rise to become unexpected saviors.

  • redemption
  • self-discovery
  • hopeful
  • charming
  • clever
  • found family
  • Tone: hopeful, charming
  • Pacing: steady character-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The plot pattern begins with a skilled but morally ambiguous character (like a con artist or fraud) who is mistaken for a prophesied hero. Forced to play a role, they embark on a journey where their self-serving nature is challenged. They form genuine connections and face escalating threats, culminating in a moment of choice where they must embrace true courage and ingenuity to save the day, thereby earning their redemption and finding a place to belong.

Why they belong together: These films share a core narrative of a charismatic anti-hero's transformation. The similarity lies in the blend of lighthearted charm with a meaningful, straightforward arc of self-discovery. The focus is on character growth through cleverness and heart rather than sheer power, creating a satisfying and uplifting story of personal redemption.

Everyone's Hero movie poster

Everyone's Hero

2006
School for Scoundrels movie poster

School for Scoundrels

2006
Hero Mode movie poster

Hero Mode

2021
A Challenge for Robin Hood movie poster

A Challenge for Robin Hood

1967
Upon the Magic Roads movie poster

Upon the Magic Roads

2021
Toonpur Ka Superrhero movie poster

Toonpur Ka Superrhero

2010
HK: Forbidden Super Hero movie poster

HK: Forbidden Super Hero

2013
Captain Fracasse movie poster

Captain Fracasse

1961

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