'Wicked: For Good' Nearly Gave Dorothy a Bigger Role

Heads up: This article contains spoilers for Wicked: For Good! The latest chapter in the Oz universe, Wicked: For Good, came close to putting Dorothy front and centre, but director Jon M. Chu ultimately steered the story in a different direction. The film, a prequel to the classic tale, explores the backstories of familiar faces from The Wizard of Oz. The sequel, which just hit screens, often runs parallel to Dorothy’s trek through Oz, but this time, the spotlight is firmly on Elphaba, the so-called Wicked Witch of the West.

Creative Choices Behind the Curtain

While the film features all the key Oz characters, the approach to Dorothy was a bit different. For Good keeps her at arm’s length, never quite letting the audience see her face. There were plenty of chats behind the scenes about whether to break that rule. According to Chu, the team weighed up the pros and cons of showing Dorothy more directly, but in the end, they decided to keep her a bit of a mystery.

Staying True to a New Perspective

This creative call wasn’t made lightly. The story is told from Elphaba’s point of view, offering a fresh angle on the events that fans know so well. By keeping Dorothy in the background, the film maintains its focus on Elphaba’s journey and the way she sees the world around her. It’s a subtle nod to the idea that every story has more than one side, and sometimes, the most famous characters aren’t the ones in the limelight.

Balancing Nostalgia and Innovation

For those who grew up with the original Oz tale, seeing all the familiar faces pop up is a treat. But the decision to keep Dorothy’s face hidden adds a layer of intrigue, letting punters experience Oz in a new way. The film manages to balance nostalgia with a fresh take, giving audiences something to talk about long after the credits roll.