Does Dorothy Show Up in Wicked (And What Does it Mean For Part 2?)

As a lifelong cinephile who has seen “The Wizard of Oz” more times than I care to admit (and yes, even the sequels), the news about the upcoming “Wicked” films leaves me giddy with anticipation. The first film’s teasing appearance of Dorothy, our beloved Kansas farm girl, has sparked a flurry of speculation among fans, and I must say, I am right there with them.

A brief sighting of a well-known shape along the Yellow Brick Road is sparking excitement among Oz enthusiasts. Although Dorothy’s legendary adventure is forever engraved in film lore, her part in the new Wicked story remains veiled in secrecy, leaving audiences eager to discover what’s coming next. The initial release of Wicked, which hit theaters on Nov 22nd, provides only a tantalizing hint of Dorothy from Kansas. Her brief appearance is during the opening scene, where she is shown alongside her companions – the Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow, and Tin Man. According to director Jon M. Chu, this scene might represent “perhaps the most renowned crime scene ever depicted in both cinema and literature.

Interestingly enough, there’s no actress officially recognized for portraying Dorothy in the movie. This might suggest that the scene was created using computer-generated imagery (CGI), or possibly an unnamed extra took on the role briefly. This strategy mirrors the Broadway musical’s approach where Dorothy is shown as a shadow during significant scenes. However, Chu’s subtle inclusion of Dorothy isn’t just for the fans; it serves a purpose in the storyline as well.

In an interview, he shares that he didn’t want to overly discuss the portrayal of Dorothy in Movie 2. However, for Movie 1, it was crucial to allow viewers to imagine their own version of Dorothy. He emphasized that while he didn’t intend to alter your personal images of Dorothy, her presence was vital as it significantly impacts the storyline and character interactions. Essentially, they subtly explored her role in Movie 1, and to fully understand how this plays out in Movie 2, you’ll have to watch it.

The intentional vagueness opens up wider opportunities for the upcoming movie “Wicked: Part Two“, slated for release on Nov 21, 2025. Unlike the first film which mainly unfolds before Dorothy’s arrival in Oz, this sequel seems to delve deeper into events that are well-known to fans of the 1939 original. In the second part, Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) wields her powers and is labeled an adversary by the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) and Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh). Regarding Dorothy’s involvement in Part Two, Chu has chosen to keep the details under wraps.

In the series, Dorothy is present. There’s going to be an encounter, but it needs to be subtly hinted at. He elaborates, “I want each viewer’s interpretation of Dorothy to be unique. Yet, there will be some overlap and interaction.

In some existing visuals for the prequel “Wicked,” observant fans have spotted scenes not shown in the original movie, such as Dorothy meeting the Wizard. These could be sneak peeks of sequences intended for the sequel. The Broadway musical also provides hints about Dorothy’s potential expanded role in the second part. On stage, she plays a significant part at the end, particularly during the well-known scene with the Wicked Witch of the West. However, the film adaptation has demonstrated a tendency to go beyond its theatrical origins, suggesting that Dorothy might play a more important role than before. One thing is clear: the sequel will continue to explore the intricate relationship between Elphaba and Glinda (Ariana Grande).

In an interview with Variety, Chu shares that Part Two, which I’ve compiled, is quite impactful. It gains eightfold relevance when discussing truth and the repercussions of choosing right or wrong. It’s a deeply intense piece.

The majority of the principal actors are set to reprise their roles, including Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, along with Goldblum and Yeoh. It’s uncertain if Dorothy will also return, but the way Chu is subtly building up her character implies that her appearance in the final chapter of this grand two-part tale will be well worth the anticipation.

In eager anticipation for the next installment of this reimagined narrative, it’s apparent that Dorothy’s trek along the Yellow Brick Road could take an unforeseen course. Her tale’s intertwining with Elphaba and Glinda’s will offer a refreshing viewpoint on this cherished piece of Oz lore.

Wicked is in theaters now.

2024-11-24 19:39

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