Summary
-
British theater actress Bethany Weaver is officially revealed as Dorothy in Wicked For Good.
-
Producers reportedly kept her identity hidden, even preventing her from attending major premieres.
-
Dorothy appears on-screen for 69 seconds, says six words, and is deliberately kept faceless to preserve audience expectations.
Dorothy’s casting in Wicked: For Good has been one of the movie’s most persistent mysteries — odd for a character who barely appears. But as the film finally hits theaters and the review embargo lifts, we now know the face behind the ruby slippers, even if the movie intentionally doesn’t show it. The reveal has sparked curiosity, debate, and a lot of questions about why the filmmakers kept her hidden.
Who Plays Dorothy in Wicked For Good and Why Was Her Identity Hidden?
After months of speculation, it’s now confirmed: British theater actress and pilates instructor Bethany Weaver plays Dorothy Gale in Wicked For Good. And in perhaps the most unusual twist of the film’s promotion, Weaver’s identity was deliberately concealed — right down to producers reportedly stopping her from attending major premieres and restricting cast members from interacting with her publicly online.
According to The Sun, Dorothy appears for 69 seconds across the entire 2 hour 17 minute film. She says only six words, and her face is never shown. For an actress to be barred from premieres of the movie she’s in might sound strange, but the decision fits the film’s larger creative strategy.
Director Jon M. Chu has been transparent about the choice. Dorothy, he said, is intentionally portrayed as a narrative pawn — an element of Oz’s machinery rather than a star character. Because Wicked is fundamentally Elphaba and Glinda’s story, making Dorothy a recognizable face risked shifting the spotlight or inviting comparisons with previous famous portrayals, especially Judy Garland’s iconic 1939 performance.
“I didn’t want to step on who you think Dorothy is,” Chu told People, explaining the character needed to remain an idea rather than a full character.
It’s a bold move, but one fans of the Wicked stage musical may recognize. Broadway treated Dorothy similarly, keeping her presence faint and fleeting. The film follows that tradition.
And Weaver? She seems to be fully on board. Her Instagram shows zero indication she’s starring in one of the year’s biggest movies — a silence that now feels intentional, even strategic.
READ MORE: The Running Man Ending Explained
Why Does Wicked For Good Keep Dorothy Hidden, and How Does It Affect the Movie?
The choice to keep Dorothy faceless isn’t accidental—it’s deeply tied to the story structure of Wicked: For Good.
1. Wicked Is Not Dorothy’s Story
At its core, Wicked exists to reframe Oz from the witches’ perspective. Dorothy’s arrival is the catalyst that escalates political tensions and emotional fractures already in motion. Her anonymity preserves that perspective. She’s part of the machinery, but never the driver.
2. Avoiding Comparisons to Judy Garland
There’s no beating the shadow of The Wizard of Oz. Chu acknowledged this directly. Casting a recognizable actress — or even showing Dorothy’s full face — would invite immediate comparisons to Garland or any modern star rumored for the part.
Keeping her hidden lets viewers bring their own mental image.
3. Maintaining Momentum for Elphaba and Glinda
With Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande anchoring the film’s emotional core, introducing Dorothy as another recognizable lead could dilute the dual-heroine narrative the movie has worked so hard to build.
4. Honoring the Stage Musical
Wicked’s second act has always sidelined Dorothy visually. The film mirrors this staging style, using tight shots, shadows, and fleeting glimpses to show her presence without centering her.
READ MORE: Frankenstein Cast: Who Plays Who in Del Toro’s New Adaptation
How Much Screen Time Does Dorothy Have in Wicked For Good?
Quite literally: barely any.
Here’s what’s confirmed:
-
Total on-screen time: 69 seconds
-
Total lines: Six words
-
Face visible? No
-
Role: Catalyst, not character
This limited presence makes the secrecy even more fascinating. Why work so hard to hide someone who appears for barely a minute? Because the mystery itself prevents fans from projecting expectations onto the film.
Who Fans Thought Was Playing Dorothy
The speculation was intense, with rumors ranging from:
-
Alisha Weir (Matilda breakout star)
-
Taylor Swift, whose name trended after fans fixated on the possibility of an A-list cameo
With Weaver now confirmed, both theories can officially be put to rest.
READ MORE: How Now You See Me Now You Don’t Connects to the First Two Movies
Who Is Bethany Weaver? A Look at the Newcomer Playing Dorothy
Bethany Weaver isn’t a household name and that appears to be exactly why she was chosen.
Below is a table summarizing what’s known about her:
Cast Profile: Bethany Weaver in Wicked: For Good
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Bethany Weaver |
| Profession | Theater actress, Pilates instructor |
| Nationality | British |
| Role in Film | Dorothy Gale |
| Screen Time | 69 seconds |
| Lines Spoken | Six words |
| Face Shown? | No |
| Social Media Activity | Zero promotion, likely deliberate |
| Premiere Attendance | Reportedly barred from major premieres |
What this tells us is clear: Weaver was selected less for star power and more for narrative utility. Her anonymity is the point.
READ MORE: Death by Lightning Ending Explained: How the True Story Came to Life
How Does Dorothy Fit Into Wicked For Good’s Storyline?
While exact plot specifics aren’t detailed in the provided info, Wicked fans know that Dorothy enters Oz at a crucial turning point — usually to signal a shift in the political and emotional stakes for the witches.
Director Jon M. Chu reiterated Dorothy’s narrative purpose:
-
She’s a chess piece, not a protagonist.
-
Her arrival impacts Elphaba and Glinda, rather than forming her own arc.
-
The movie frames her more as symbol than character.
This aligns with the stage show’s structure, where Dorothy’s limited presence serves as a trigger for dramatic tension. The film preserves that balance.
READ MORE: The Beast in Me Filming Locations: Complete Season 1 Filming Guide
Why Was Bethany Weaver Reportedly Stopped From Attending Premieres?
According to reports, Weaver was:
-
Barred from major red carpets
-
Restricted from public interaction with cast/crew
-
Kept out of promotional material
This is extremely rare in Hollywood. Usually even cameo actors walk at least one premiere. Producers clearly wanted to ensure:
-
Dorothy did not overshadow Erivo and Grande
-
Mystery remained intact until after reviews dropped
-
No viral frenzy erupted over the casting before the film released
And remarkably, the plan worked. The reveal only surfaced after the review embargo lifted.
READ MORE: What Critics Really Think About Wicked For Good
What Else Is Happening Around Wicked For Good’s Release?
The film’s press run has been eventful.
1. Ariana Grande Grabbed by a Man at Singapore Premiere
A YouTuber has been charged with public nuisance after rushing the red carpet and grabbing Grande — a disturbing incident amid the otherwise celebratory tour.
2. Jeff Goldblum Says Wicked Made Him Give Up Meat
The Jurassic Park actor revealed he stopped eating meat during the shooting schedule — a personal change he credits partly to the culture and energy around the production.
3. Mixed Reviews for the Film
IGN gave Wicked: For Good a 6/10, calling it emotionally resonant but uneven. Despite its strong cast and lavish production, reviewers note the same issues that appeared in the first movie.
Wicked For Good is currently in theaters as of this week’s wide release rollout.
Stay updated with the Latest News and Stories, follow us on our social media platforms.
You can follow us on:
Nerdveda is Popculturexp on X
Stay Connected!! Join our Whatsapp Channel
