Barrymore has been developing the project for years, and at one point appeared set to play Dorothy's great-great-granddaughter, who learns to use the ruby slippers' power when the Wicked Witch unexpectedly returns to take over Oz and the earth. It was unclear if Barrymore will still take the role. "Surrender Dorothy" is one of five "Oz" films that have been reported as being in development recently, following the big box-office success of Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland." The films include "Oz the Great and Powerful," a Disney project that would show how the Wizard came to Oz (and has been rumored to be directed by Cabaret and "American Beauty"'s Sam Mendes and star Robert Downey, Jr.). There is no word on whether the film version of Broadway's Wicked, the musical prequel to the story, has moved past the discussion stage.

Barrymore received a Golden Globe and an Emmy nomination for playing "Little Edie" Beale in the HBO television adaptation of the documentary "Grey Gardens." She recently made her film directorial debut with "Whip It," in which she also appeared. Other credits include "50 First Dates," "Charlie's Angels," "Donnie Darko," "Never Been Kissed," "Ever After," "The Wedding Singer," "Scream," "Boys on the Side," "Irreconcilable Differences" and "E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial."