Ted Lasso writer, Brett Goldstein, who also plays Roy Kent, has come out to convey that the Apple TV+ series is indeed a modern-day adaptation of The Wizard of Oz. The confession comes in the wake of the release of Wicked, a movie based on Gregory Maguire’s classic novel. With the Ariana Grande-led film currently crushing it at the box office, Goldstein has contributed to the conversation by likening Ted Lasso to the classic story.
Brett Goldstein states there was ‘loads of The Wizard of Oz’ in Ted Lasso
The multi-faceted thespian confirmed a much-discussed theory connecting Ted Lasso to The Wizard of Oz. Brett Goldstein, who portrays footballer-turned-coach Roy Kent on the show, stated that the comedy-drama draws heavy inspiration from L. Frank Baum’s visionary 1900 novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
Talking to Entertainment Weekly, the British actor disclosed, “Oh yeah, there’s loads and loads of The Wizard of Oz in Ted Lasso.” He then provided instances to hit his point home, stating, “The pinball machine is the one that’s always ‘Ted has to go home. There’s no place like home.’ And then, there’s no place like Richmond F.C. Yes, that’s all Wizard of Oz.”
Goldstein then decided to delve deeper into the comparison by divulging what character took after whom. According to him, Kent was modeled after the Tin Man, while Jason Sudeikis’ titular character represented Dorothy. Meanwhile, Hannah Waddingham’s Rebecca took after the Lion, with Phil Dunster’s Jamie mirroring the Scarecrow.
Released a whopping 81 years after the era-defining The Wizard of Oz movie, Ted Lasso made its small-screen debut in 2020. The Apple TV+ series received much praise upon its premiere, becoming the most nominated first-year comedy at that year’s Emmy. Ted Lasso Season 1 managed to take home a mind-boggling seven Emmy Awards, breaking several records in the process.
Ted Lasso concluded its brief run on television with its third season in 2023. While recent developments seem to suggest a fourth season could be on the cards, the creators of the show have yet to provide any official confirmation.