Unraveling the Mysterious Dorothy in Wicked: Part II

Part I vs. Part II: Dorothy's Significance

In the first part of "Wicked," Dorothy makes a brief appearance at the beginning in a CGI version. She is seen skipping down the yellow brick road with the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion. This initial glimpse sets the stage for her potential role in the film. In the Broadway show, all the known characters are in Dorothy's orbit as she embarks on her adventure in Oz. But in the movie, it becomes easier to envision her taking on a more tangible form.

The fact that Dorothy doesn't actually play a role in the Broadway show (only appearing in shadow) adds an element of mystery. If director Jon M. Chu decides to give her a more prominent part in the film, it could lead to inevitable comparisons to Judy Garland in "The Wizard of Oz." This presents a challenge for the creative team as they strive to make Dorothy's presence unique and engaging.

Expanding Act II without Echoing the 1939 Film

There are various ways to expand the original Act II of "Wicked" without directly referencing the 1939 film. Schwartz has mentioned that he would write new songs for Wicked 2, which focuses on Elphaba's journey as the Wicked Witch of the West and her meeting with Dorothy Gale. This provides an opportunity to explore new musical themes and storylines.

The recent appearance of young actor Alisha Weir at the Wicked premiere's green carpet has sparked speculation about her potential role as Dorothy. Weir gained fame in "Matilda the Musical" and is also known for her role in "Abigail." Her presence at the premiere has left fans wondering if she could be the one to bring Dorothy to life in Wicked: Part II. However, Universal and Chu have not yet announced any casting decisions, leaving the mystery intact.

The Casting Conundrum and Hollywood Speculation

Currently, there is no official casting for Dorothy in Wicked: Part II. The sequel was filmed back-to-back with Part I, and if Alisha Weir is indeed in Part II, she managed to avoid the paparazzi who were photographing Ariana Grande on set. This has led to speculation about whether the Dorothy casting is the best-kept secret in Hollywood or just the result of rampant speculation surrounding a mega-blockbuster.

The uncertainty surrounding the casting adds to the excitement and anticipation for the release of Wicked: Part II. Fans are eager to see who will be chosen to play Dorothy and how her character will fit into the story. It remains to be seen how this mystery will be resolved and what impact it will have on the overall success of the film.