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The Unseen Star: Who Plays Dorothy Gale In 'Wicked: For Good' And Why Her Face Is A Mystery

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The mystery surrounding the casting of Dorothy Gale in the two-part film adaptation of the beloved musical *Wicked* has finally been resolved, but the answer comes with an unexpected twist. As of December 21, 2025, the actress officially credited as playing the iconic girl from Kansas in *Wicked: For Good*, the second installment of the cinematic event, is the talented British performer, Bethany Weaver. This revelation concludes months of intense fan speculation and sheds light on one of the most closely guarded secrets of the production, a decision that is deeply rooted in the narrative structure of the source material.

The choice to cast a relative newcomer for such a pivotal—albeit brief—role in the highly anticipated sequel, which features major stars like Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, was a deliberate move by director Jon M. Chu. Weaver, primarily known for her extensive work in UK theatre as a dancer and choreographer, brings an authentic stage presence to the character. However, the most intriguing aspect of her portrayal is that Dorothy’s face is intentionally obscured or only seen in profile throughout *Wicked: For Good*, a creative decision that honors the spirit of the original novel and the musical's focus on the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba.

Bethany Weaver: Biography and The Woman Behind the Ruby Slippers

Bethany Weaver is a multi-talented British artist whose career spans acting, dancing, and choreography in the competitive world of West End theatre. Her casting as Dorothy Gale in *Wicked: For Good* marks a significant transition to a major Hollywood film, even with the unique constraints of the role. Her background in movement and dance was undoubtedly a key factor in her selection, allowing her to embody the character's physical presence and the famous moment of arrival in Oz with precision and grace. Weaver’s professional journey is a testament to the dedication required in the performing arts.

  • Full Name: Bethany Weaver
  • Primary Profession: Actress, Dancer, Choreographer, Pilates Instructor
  • Nationality: British (UK-based, residing in Surrey)
  • Alma Mater/Training: The Urdang Academy (London), Guildford School of Acting, Laine Theatre Arts (graduated 2018)
  • Notable Stage Roles (Performer): Appeared in productions including *Rumi the Musical*, *The Wizard of Oz*, *Wonderful Town*, and *The Phantom of the Opera*.
  • Notable Choreography Credits: West End musical plays such as *Asmahan* at the Peacock Theatre and *Umm Kulthum*.
  • Film Role: Dorothy Gale in *Wicked: For Good* (2025).
  • Unique Role Detail: Her face is deliberately never fully shown on screen, appearing only in silhouette or profile.
  • Social Media Reflection: Weaver has expressed profound gratitude on her social media platforms for the opportunity to portray the iconic character.

The Curious Case of Dorothy's Unseen Face in Oz

One of the most compelling pieces of information for fans of the *Wicked* universe is the narrative choice to keep Dorothy Gale's identity shrouded in shadow. This is not a slight against Bethany Weaver's talent, but rather a faithful adaptation of the musical's core theme and the source novel by Gregory Maguire. In the original stage production and the novel, Dorothy is less a character with a personal arc and more a catalyst—the agent of change whose arrival fundamentally alters the lives of Elphaba (The Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda (The Good Witch).

The decision to obscure the actress's face serves several critical topical and narrative purposes:

  • Focus on Elphaba and Glinda: The *Wicked* story is fundamentally a prequel to *The Wizard of Oz*, focusing on the complex friendship and rivalry between Elphaba and Glinda. By keeping Dorothy a mysterious figure, the film ensures that the audience's emotional investment remains squarely on the two main protagonists, played by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
  • Symbolism of the Catalyst: Dorothy represents the "other," the force from an outside world (Kansas) that inadvertently causes the pivotal events in Oz, including the melting of the Wicked Witch. Keeping her face unseen emphasizes her role as a symbol or a plot device rather than a fully developed character in this specific narrative.
  • Honoring the Source Material: In the stage musical, Dorothy's presence is often hinted at or seen only from a distance, maintaining the focus on the witches' story. The film adaptation, directed by Jon M. Chu, has chosen to maintain this artistic distance, creating a sense of continuity with the theatrical experience while building anticipation for the established *Wizard of Oz* story.
  • Avoiding Direct Comparison: By not showing a clear, full-face image, the filmmakers avoid creating an immediate, direct comparison to the legendary Judy Garland, who immortalized the role in the 1939 classic *The Wizard of Oz*. This allows the *Wicked* film to exist in its own distinct cinematic space.

Bethany Weaver's Journey: From West End Choreographer to Oz

Bethany Weaver's casting is a significant win for the UK theatre community and highlights the depth of talent often found behind the scenes. Her primary background as a choreographer and dancer is what makes her portrayal of Dorothy so compelling, even if it is largely non-verbal and obscured. The role of Dorothy in *Wicked: For Good* is heavily reliant on physical movement, particularly the moment of her dramatic arrival in Munchkinland after the tornado, and the subsequent acquisition of the iconic Ruby Slippers.

Weaver's training at prestigious institutions like The Urdang Academy and Guildford School of Acting provided her with a robust foundation in musical theatre, a critical component for any production connected to the world of Oz. Her work on West End shows, including choreographing the musical *Asmahan*, demonstrates her deep understanding of staging, movement direction, and the emotional power of dance. This expertise allowed her to convey the necessary innocence, confusion, and accidental power of Dorothy Gale through body language alone.

The entire casting process for this role was marked by intense secrecy, with many fans speculating about high-profile young actresses like Alisha Weir being cast. The eventual reveal of Bethany Weaver, a name largely unfamiliar to mainstream film audiences, underscores the director's commitment to finding the perfect physical embodiment for the role, prioritizing a performer with a strong foundation in physical storytelling over pure celebrity status. Her brief but pivotal appearance is a masterclass in using movement to convey character, a skill honed over years of working on stage.

Topical Authority: Key Entities in the 'Wicked' Cinematic Universe

To fully appreciate the significance of Dorothy's role and Bethany Weaver's contribution, it is essential to place her within the context of the larger *Wicked* cinematic and literary universe. The film adaptation, split into two parts (*Wicked* and *Wicked: For Good*), is a monumental undertaking that brings together established Hollywood talent and emerging stars.

Key Entities and Related Topics:

  • Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba): The star portraying the future Wicked Witch of the West, the central protagonist of the *Wicked* story.
  • Ariana Grande (Glinda): The pop superstar and actress playing Glinda the Good, Elphaba's friend and rival.
  • Jon M. Chu (Director): Known for his work on *Crazy Rich Asians* and *In the Heights*, his vision guides the two-part film.
  • Fiyero Tigelaar: The love interest of both Elphaba and Glinda, played by Jonathan Bailey.
  • The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: The original L. Frank Baum novel and the classic 1939 film, which serve as the sequel to the *Wicked* story.
  • Emerald City: The capital of Oz and a central setting for the political and magical turmoil in the film.
  • The Ruby Slippers: The magical shoes that Dorothy acquires, which are a major point of contention and power in *Wicked: For Good*.
  • Madame Morrible: The manipulative headmistress of Shiz University, played by Michelle Yeoh.
  • Boq and Nessarose: Characters whose fates are directly intertwined with Elphaba and Glinda, played by Ethan Slater and Marissa Bode.
  • Topical Authority Keywords: *Wicked* movie sequel, *Wicked* film adaptation, Ozian politics, The Time Dragon Clock, Munchkinland, Broadway musical, Stephen Schwartz (composer).

Bethany Weaver’s portrayal of Dorothy Gale, though physically obscured, is a vital bridge between the world of *Wicked* and the familiar landscape of *The Wizard of Oz*. Her presence signifies the moment when the events of the prequel conclude and the story of the classic film begins, solidifying her role as the silent, accidental hero who sets the final act into motion.

The Unseen Star: Who Plays Dorothy Gale in 'Wicked: For Good' and Why Her Face is a Mystery
who plays dorothy in wicked for good
who plays dorothy in wicked for good

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