Meet the New Dorothy in ‘Wicked: For Good’ – Bethany Weaver’s First On‑Screen Role

‘Wicked: For Good’ finally landed on Netflix this week, nudging its way to the Top 10 list and giving fans a chance to finish the two‑part saga that’s been buzzing all summer. While most of the chatter has centered on Cynthia Erivo’s haunting Elphaba and Ariana Grande’s sparkling Glinda, there’s a third, surprisingly brief, cameo that’s worth a second look: Dorothy Gale.

Yes, the Kansas girl who chased a rainbow‑colored tornado shows up, albeit in a shadow‑play‑style sequence toward the film’s climax. In the final act, a vengeful Elphaba snatches Dorothy and locks her behind a rusted door. Glinda barges in, the two reconcile, and they belt the heartfelt duet “For Good.” The scene then flips to the classic ending we all know – Dorothy douses the Wicked Witch with water, watching the emerald‑green smoke rise. It’s quick, it’s eerie, and it confirms that the original Wizard of Oz narrative is still humming in the background.

But who’s behind the ruby‑red shoes? The role is filled by newcomer Bethany Weaver, a 30‑year‑old dancer, choreographer and creative director of Pilates & Dance UK. Before this, Weaver’s résumé read strictly theatre‑side: she choreographed the West End production Asmahan and taught movement classes across London. “Stepping on that yellow brick road, wearing those silver shoes with the little blue socks, it was a really special moment,” Weaver told Jess Lucero on the Plus One podcast. “I know how much Judy Garland means to people, so I didn’t want to impersonate her, but I did want to carry a little bit of her armor.”

Interesting enough, Weaver’s on‑screen performance is mostly silent. The few lines Dorothy delivers are provided by veteran voice actress Tara Strong, whose credits include The Fairly OddParents, The Powerpuff Girls and countless animated hits. This split‑performance trick lets the filmmakers blend Weaver’s physicality with Strong’s instantly recognizable vocal tone, a nod to the way classic films sometimes used separate actors for movement and dialogue.

For viewers who are just tuning in, here’s a quick recap of what Wicked: For Good covers. The movie picks up where the Broadway hit left off, digging deeper into why Elphaba becomes the “Wicked” witch of the west and how her friendship‑turned‑rivalry with Glinda shapes Oz’s political landscape. Themes of power, perception and redemption swirl through big production numbers, culminating in the bittersweet duet that gives the film its title.

If you’ve been waiting to see Dorothy’s cameo, you’ll find it near the end, tucked between the showdown and the classic water‑melting moment. It’s a brief flash, but the costume design – a modern twist on Dorothy’s gingham dress with silver accents – feels like a respectful nod to the 1939 classic while staying true to the musical’s aesthetic.

Where can you watch it? Wicked: For Good streams on Netflix under the “Movies” tab, and you can also rent or buy it on most digital platforms. Netflix’s standard plan starts at $7.99 a month (ad‑supported), while the ad‑free premium option goes up to $24.99 for 4K UHD streaming.

Curious about Bethany Weaver’s next steps? She’s active on Instagram as @bethanyweavesx, where she shares dance snippets, rehearsal footage and glimpses of life behind the scenes. With a film credit now under her belt, it won’t be surprising to see her pop up in future screen projects, perhaps even another musical adaptation.

So the next time you watch Wicked: For Good, keep an eye out for that brief, shimmering Dorothy moment. It’s a reminder that even in a story that re‑imagines the Wicked Witch, the original heroine still has a place on the yellow brick road.