As excitement builds for the release of the second part of Wicked in 2025, all eyes are on the casting decisions—especially who will take on the iconic role of Dorothy.
The casting of Dorothy in Wicked 2 is one of the most eagerly anticipated announcements in recent years. With the first installment set for release in 2024, fans are already speculating who will follow in the footsteps of Judy Garland and Ariana Grande to play the iconic role of Dorothy Gale in the magical world of Oz. While nothing has been confirmed yet, here's a look at potential candidates and the factors that will shape the decision.
Dorothy's Legacy in The Wizard of Oz
From Judy Garland’s unforgettable performance in The Wizard of Oz (1939) to the modern-day reinventions, Dorothy Gale is a role drenched in cinematic history. For any actor stepping into those ruby red slippers, there's the undeniable weight of living up to an iconic portrayal while also making the character their own. In the sequel toWicked, Dorothy will face a new generation of fans, many of whom are familiar with the contemporary interpretations of the classic, from Broadway renditions to more recent cultural references.
That legacy makes the casting of Dorothy especially crucial. The ideal candidate will need to strike a balance between honoring the character’s origins and bringing a fresh, modern twist to the role. The upcoming film’s direction, influenced by the success of the first part of Wicked and the fame of its ensemble cast, will likely play a huge role in shaping who’s chosen. Fans can expect a blend of talent, star power, and perhaps even a nod to Broadway roots.
Will Dorothy Appear in Wicked: For Good?
One of the biggest questions surrounding Dorothy’s appearance in Wicked: For Good is whether she will even be a visible character, or if she will remain largely hidden, similar to her role in the Broadway musical. In the Broadway musical, Dorothy does not appear as a fully fleshed-out character in the story. She is only mentioned in passing and serves more as a backdrop to the events of the musical, playing a major role in the plot's unfolding through her arrival in Oz.
In an interview with Variety, director Jon M. Chu said, "Seeing those four characters also triggers something in your mind; you connect those characters with this place. And we will revisit those characters in movie two."
Chu then added, "In the show, Dorothy is around. They have to intersect, and you can only tease it so much. I won’t say whether she’s a character, necessarily, in movie two. There’s a part of me that wants everyone’s Dorothy to be the whatever Dorothy they want."
The decision to fully include or conceal Dorothy in the film adaptation will significantly impact how she is cast. If the character is only referenced or seen briefly in Wicked:For Good, the role may not require a traditional lead performance but could rather be a supporting or cameo role. However, if Jon M. Chu chooses to give Dorothy a more prominent presence, it will likely call for a younger, less established star with potential to grow into a leading role in the franchise’s future installments.
Who’s in the Running to Play Dorothy in Wicked: For Good?
While no official casting announcements have been made, there’s been growing speculation that Alisha Weir, who starred as young Matilda in Netflix’s Matilda the Musical and as a ballerina vampire in Abigail alongside Melissa Barrera, might be the one to take on the iconic role of Dorothy in Wicked: For Good. Weir’s breakout performance earned her significant attention, and her experience in musical theater makes her a strong contender for the role. She was also in attendance at the Wicked premiere, which certainly fueled the rumors even more.
But there’s another theory gaining traction: what if the filmmakers decide to cast an unknown actress to take on the role of Dorothy? Given Wicked's rich history of discovering new talent (like the original Broadway cast’s Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth), some fans believe the production might go in a completely different direction and opt for a rising star with little-to-no major film credits. The idea of casting an unknown could also align with the film’s larger theme of empowerment and discovery, as it would give a new face the chance to step into one of the most beloved roles in cinematic history. If this theory holds true, it could be a game-changer in terms of both casting and the way audiences perceive the character of Dorothy.
What Role Does Dorothy Play in the original Wicked musical?
Dorothy’s role in Wicked is notably different from the one in The Wizard of Oz. In the Broadway musical, Dorothy is not an active character in the story but is instead an offstage presence. Her arrival in Oz is central to the plot, driving the motivations of characters like Elphaba (the Wicked Witch) and Glinda, but Dorothy herself remains a symbolic figure.
Her indirect role in Wicked provides an interesting narrative space for the movie to explore, especially when it comes to casting. Depending on how Dorothy is portrayed in the sequel, the film could either follow the Broadway musical’s route and use her more as a thematic presence or give her more screen time to interact with the world of Oz directly. If the filmmakers decide to take the latter approach, they will need an actor capable of portraying the charm and purity associated with Dorothy, without overshadowing central characters like Glinda and Elphaba.
So, Who Will Be the Next Dorothy?
While the role of Dorothy in Wicked: For Good is still under wraps, one thing is clear—whoever steps into the role will need to be a perfect mix of star power, talent, and cultural relevance. Whether the casting decision will lean toward a rising star or a seasoned performer, fans can rest assured that the character will be portrayed with care and respect as confirmed by Jon M. Chu. As we await the official announcement, the conversation will only heat up, but for now, let us know in the comments your guess for who will take on the iconic role of Dorothy in Wicked: For Good.