'Wicked: For Good's Dorothy Casting Decision is the Best Choice Actorsvaultpro

Wicked: For Good has made a casting choice for Dorothy that’s bound to be controversial, but it’s the best option available. The Wicked sequel is one of the most anticipated film releases of the year, and the addition of the main characters from The Wizard of Oz is one of the most exciting aspects of the story. Recently, it was revealed that the Cowardly Lion would be voiced by Oscar-nominee Colman Domingo, and the Tin Man and Scarecrow also have actors assigned to them. That makes Dorothy, played by the great Judy Garland in the 1939 classic, the final vacancy.

Rumors have swirled around the Dorothy role since last year, with theories suggesting Taylor Swift would be stepping up to the plate. However, during press for Wicked: For Good, Cynthia Erivo revealed that the film won’t be showing Dorothy’s face, meaning she’s one character who won’t be portrayed by a famous actor or artist. The prospect of bringing another star to the already stacked cast would have been appealing, but this seems to be the best choice available for the specific character.

‘Wicked: For Good’ Doesn’t Need Dorothy as a Main Character

judy Garland in the wizard of oz

Loew’s Incorporated

Dorothy is one of the most iconic characters in this world, and her white and blue attire is equally recognizable as Judy Garland’s face. As much as she plays a pivotal role in this story, her face isn’t integral; from the perspective of Wicked: For Good, she’s an outsider, a pawn who enters the story and is manipulated to play a part in a conflict she doesn’t understand. Wicked isn’t The Wizard of Oz; this is Elphaba and Glinda’s story, and placing too much focus on Dorothy would detract from that in a manner that isn’t pertinent to that narrative. Hiding her face works to protect Wicked from becoming something it isn’t.

From a film production standpoint, casting and portraying Dorothy has added complications due to the controversies surrounding Judy Garland’s treatment as a child actress on the set of The Wizard of Oz. While it’s undoubtedly a classic and a masterpiece, the behind-the-scenes stories of the film have tainted its legacy in a particular way. Especially with films like Judy bringing the actress’s tragic story to light, it’s more incumbent on studios to be careful with the treatment of the Dorothy character, or really anything connected to Judy Garland.

Yes, other actresses have played Dorothy, but sensationalizing a new casting by bringing on someone like Taylor Swift might add unnecessary buzz to a sensitive topic. By keeping Dorothy’s face off-screen, Wicked: For Good lets audiences maintain the version of the character they’ve known for decades. Judy Garland’s Dorothy is one of the most incredible cinematic performances of all time, and many viewers will rightfully hold it near and dear. Wicked: For Good is focusing on its own beautiful story and letting Dorothy stay as she is.