Fans of The Wizard of Oz will see Dorothy Gale return to the screen in the upcoming movie Wicked: For Good, but they will not see her face. Director Jon M. Chu has confirmed this major creative decision, explaining that the story remains firmly focused on its two main witches.
The sequel, which arrives in theaters on November 21, 2025, continues to adapt the beloved Broadway musical, telling the story of Elphaba and Glinda. While Dorothy is a pivotal part of the plot, Chu is choosing to treat her as a background element to preserve the personal connection audiences have with the character.
The Director’s Explanation
In a recent interview, Jon M. Chu directly addressed the choice to keep Dorothy’s face hidden. He stated that the core of the film is the journey of its two main characters.
“I didn’t want to step on who you think Dorothy is in whatever story that you came into this with,” he told People, explaining that the sequel “is still Elphaba and Glinda’s journey, and she is a pawn in the middle of all of it.”
This approach ensures that the movie does not impose a new face on a character that is already iconic in the minds of viewers, thanks to performances like Judy Garland‘s in the original 1939 film. By not showing her face, every audience member can hold onto their own personal image of Dorothy.
Staying True to the Stage Show
This decision honors a long-standing tradition from the stage musical. In the Broadway production of Wicked, Dorothy is never fully seen by the audience. Her presence is only indicated by her shadow or her voice.
The movie will follow this same style. Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba, supports this choice. She told Empire, “I think that’s such a wonderful thing to do, because then everyone gets to keep the Dorothy that they know.”
Although the movie will give Dorothy a slightly larger physical presence than the stage show—trailers show her from behind with the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion—the rule of not revealing her face remains.
Dorothy’s Role as a “Pawn”
In Wicked: For Good, Dorothy is not the main character. Instead, she serves as a catalyst in the story of Elphaba and Glinda. Her famous act of throwing water on the Wicked Witch of the West is the key event that allows Elphaba to fake her death and disappear.
Chu describes Dorothy as a “pawn,” a piece that is important to the game but not the central focus. The narrative spotlights the complicated friendship between Elphaba and Glinda, played by Ariana Grande, and how outside forces, including Dorothy, affect their lives and choices.
Erivo also hinted at some tension, noting that “Glinda has an eye roll for Dorothy whenever she has to deal with her,” highlighting that the witches’ perspectives are the priority.
A New Look at an Iconic Moment
While Dorothy’s face will not be shown, audiences will see a fresh take on one of The Wizard of Oz‘s most famous events. Chu teased that Michelle Yeoh‘s character, Madame Morrible, will be central to creating the tornado that brings Dorothy to Oz.
“[She is with] an iconic moment we all know from our youth” that was “not in the” Broadway musical. “We have this amazing moment of the tornado and how it gets conjured,” he said.
This expansion of Madame Morrible’s magical role provides a new layer to the classic story, showing how the tornado was not a simple act of nature but a spell cast with purpose.
The Mystery Actress
Although a performer has been cast to play Dorothy, her identity has not been officially revealed. Chu acknowledged this earlier, saying, “Well, we definitely did cast Dorothy. You see her in some of our teasers.”
Fans have speculated that the role might be played by Alisha Weir, known for her roles in Matilda the Musical and Abigail. This speculation was fueled by her appearance at the Wicked premiere in London, where she wore silver shoes similar to Dorothy’s famous ruby slippers. When asked about the rumors, Weir called the idea “amazing” but did not confirm anything.
Wicked: For Good will be released in theaters on November 21, 2025.
Also Read: Wicked: For Good Trailer Out: Who Is the Tin Man?
