Ted Lasso star and co-writer Brett Goldstein has confirmed a popular fan theory that the Apple TV+ series was inspired by The Wizard Of Oz.
READ MORE: ‘Wicked’ review: hit musical makes gravity-defying leap to the big screen
Three years ago, fans began noticing that season two of Ted Lasso contained similarities to The Wizard of Oz. Since then, fans have theorised that the entire show is a modern retelling of the L. Frank Baum classic. One major point of this theory hinges on the fact that the titular character hails from Kansas.
Since then, fans have been seeking for official clarification that their theories were true, and it now seems like they’ve got their confirmation.
‘Ted Lasso’ season three. CREDIT: Apple TV+
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Goldstein – who plays retired football player Roy Kent in the series – revealed: “Oh yeah, there’s loads and loads of The Wizard of Oz in Ted Lasso.”
He went on to explain, pointing at several easter eggs throughout the series: “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 even went as far as to reveal which Ted Lasso‘s characters were modelled after The Wizard Of Oz‘s core roles: “I’m the Tin Man, Ted is Dorothy, Rebecca’s the Lion, and the Scarecrow is Jamie [Tartt].”
He joked to close the topic: “I’m sure this is going to cause a lot of trouble.”
Nick Mohammed and Jason Sudeikis in ‘Ted Lasso’ season three. CREDIT: Apple
Ted Lasso’s story came to an end in 2023’s third season. However, the show will seemingly return for a fourth season with several members of the cast reportedly being eyed for a continuation. A fourth season has yet to be officially confirmed.
Goldstein’s comments come as Wicked starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo leads box offices around the world. The movie, based on the Broadway musical inspired by The Wizard of Oz, scored a four-star review from Nick Levine for NME.
Levine wrote: “By the end, you won’t quite be levitating off your seat but you’ll definitely be enchanted enough to stream the soundtrack on the way home. Funny, colourful and full of empathy for outsiders, this film really is the Shiz.”
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