As the highly anticipated sequel, Wicked: For Good, draws near, fans are buzzing about its portrayal of the Land of Oz. Director Jon M. Chu has made a deliberate and fascinating choice: Dorothy Gale’s face will never be fully seen, a decision designed to honor classic interpretations while keeping the narrative squarely focused on the complex journey of Elphaba and Glinda.
The Land of Oz is set to welcome audiences back this autumn with the highly anticipated film, Wicked: For Good. While the trailer has ignited excitement, showcasing the fallout of Elphaba and Glinda’s estrangement and Elphaba’s quest to expose the Wizard, one mystery has persistently captivated fans: the identity and portrayal of Dorothy Gale.
For weeks, speculation has run rampant about who might step into the iconic ruby slippers. However, director Jon M. Chu has now unveiled a bold creative decision that aims to reshape expectations: Dorothy’s face will remain unseen throughout the film, a deliberate choice to preserve her established legacy while foregrounding the prequel’s core narrative.
An Intentional Omission: Honoring the Icon, Centering the Story
In an interview, Jon M. Chu articulated his reasoning for keeping Dorothy’s face hidden. He explained, “I didn’t want to step on who you think Dorothy is in whatever story that you came into this with.” This approach recognizes the deep-seated connection audiences have with Dorothy, largely forged by Judy Garland’s legendary portrayal in the 1939 classic, The Wizard of Oz.
Chu emphasized that despite Dorothy’s crucial narrative function, Wicked: For Good remains primarily the story of Elphaba and Glinda. He views Dorothy as “a pawn in the middle of all of it,” a catalyst for events rather than the central figure. This nuanced portrayal expands upon the stage musical’s tradition, where Dorothy typically only appears as a shadowy outline, especially during key moments like the Wicked Witch’s demise.
While Dorothy’s role in the film universe is indeed more prominent than in the stage show, Chu assures fans that the creative team is treading lightly. “We tread lightly, but try to make more sense of how it impacts our girls and our characters than maybe the show does. We’re delicate,” Chu told People Magazine, highlighting the careful balance between respecting established lore and evolving the narrative for the big screen.
The Speculation and the Teases
Even with the confirmation that her face will be obscured, the identity of the actress cast as Dorothy has been a hot topic within fan communities. The trailer offered a fleeting glimpse of the character in her signature blue and white gingham dress, walking the yellow brick road with her companions, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion.
Among the most circulated rumors was that Alisha Weir, known for her roles in Wicked Little Letters and Abigail, would take on the role. Weir herself addressed the “absolutely crazy” speculation earlier this year, telling Irish broadcaster RTÉ that while she was a big fan of Wicked and director Chu, “that would be wonderful.” Other names frequently mentioned in fan discussions included Maddie Ziegler, Dove Cameron, and Emily Rudd.
Glinda’s Complicated Feelings Toward Dorothy
The impact of Dorothy’s arrival on the residents of Oz, particularly Glinda, is a key element of the narrative. Ariana Grande, who portrays Glinda, offered insights into her character’s perspective on Dorothy. Speaking to Empire, Grande teased a “little bit of shadiness that Glinda has towards Dorothy.”
Grande further elaborated on Glinda’s internal conflict: “There’s a lot going on, and she doesn’t really have time to deal with this. She could have told her to take the Emerald City train! But she didn’t. That’s a little shady, Glinda! So I leaned all the way into Glinda, sort of having an eye roll for Dorothy whenever she has to deal with her.” This portrayal hints at a delightful complexity in the relationship, far beyond a simple good-versus-evil dynamic.
The Star-Studded Cast Bringing Oz to Life
While Dorothy’s identity remains a visual enigma, the rest of Oz is brought to vivid life by an incredible ensemble cast:
- Cynthia Erivo returns as the powerful Elphaba.
- Ariana Grande shines as the beloved Glinda.
- Jonathan Bailey takes on the role of Fiyero, destined to become the Scarecrow.
- Ethan Slater portrays Boq, who will transform into the Tin Man.
- Colman Domingo lends his voice to the beloved Cowardly Lion, a role Chu teased as having a “big name attached” before the reveal.
- Jeff Goldblum embodies the enigmatic Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
- Michelle Yeoh portrays the formidable Madame Morrible.
- Peter Dinklage provides the voice for Dr. Dillamond.
With its blend of spectacle, heartfelt performances, and intriguing narrative choices, Wicked: For Good is poised to be a cinematic event. The deliberate decision to hide Dorothy’s face not only respects her indelible place in cinematic history but also deepens the focus on the vibrant, complex world of Elphaba and Glinda, offering fans a fresh perspective on a beloved tale when it hits cinemas on November 21.
