'Wicked: For Good' Cuts Dorothy Scene for Being Too Much

Director Jon M. Chu has finally explained why Dorothy's face was deliberately hidden in 'Wicked: For Good,' the second instalment of his two-part adaptation of the iconic Broadway musical.

In a recent interview with Business Insider, Jon M. Chu revealed that the decision was made early in production to keep Dorothy visually subtle rather than fully introducing her on screen. Although the film takes place in the familiar magical world of 'The Wizard of Oz,' Dorothy is intentionally presented as a background presence seen from the perspective of Glinda and Elphaba rather than as a central figure.

Casting of  Dorothy in 'Wicked: For Good'

During casting, the creative team focused on finding someone who physically embodied Dorothy's energy without drawing too much focus away from the main characters. Chu explained that instead of showing her full face, they prioritised her posture, silhouette, and movement. Ultimately, a dancer named Bethany Weaver was selected for the role because of her youthful energy and physical expressiveness.

Image Courtesy: Bethany Weaver/ Instagram

While several scenes were filmed that revealed Dorothy's face, those moments were later removed during editing. Jon M. Chu said the creative team realised that giving her too much screen presence distracted from the emotional core of the story, which centres entirely on Glinda and Elphaba. The goal was always to keep the narrative focused on their relationship rather than shifting attention toward Dorothy's perspective.

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Jon M. Chu Shares About the Storytelling of 'Wicked: For Good'

Chu also noted that this storytelling choice was influenced by the stage production of Wicked, where the creative philosophy has always been that the heart of the story lies with the two witches, not with Dorothy. Each time the film risked drifting toward what Dorothy might be thinking, the team redirected its focus back to the bond and conflict between Glinda and Elphaba.

Image Courtesy: IMDb

Starring Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, 'Wicked: For Good' concludes the story arc that began in the first film and links directly with the events of 'The Wizard of Oz.' Although Dorothy's face remains unseen, the movie still offers glimpses of her journey. She is shown arriving in Munchkinland when her house lands, appearing in silhouette during key scenes, and later seen from behind or in fragments, such as her feet being carried by a flying monkey.

Other Dorothy Appearances

Additional background appearances include Dorothy standing beside Toto and her three companions inside the Wizard's chamber when he sends them to confront Elphaba. Her final encounter with Elphaba is shown through the witches' point of view, including the now-contextualised bucket of water moment, which is later revealed to be part of Elphaba's planned disappearance.

Image Courtesy: IMDb

The film also features several iconic characters from the 'Wizard of Oz' universe, including the Cowardly Lion, voiced by Colman Domingo and the Scarecrow, who is portrayed by Jonathan Bailey as a transformed Fiyero.

'Wicked: For Good,' now playing in theatres, continues to expand the Oz universe while staying firmly rooted in its central theme—the untold story behind the witches of Oz, rather than the girl who followed the yellow brick road.

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