The Emerald City Beckons: Bethany Weaver Cast as Dorothy in 'Wicked: For Good'

Well, isn't this just the most delightful piece of casting news we've heard in a while! The buzz around Jon M. Chu's two-part cinematic adaptation of the beloved musical 'Wicked' just got a whole lot more... well, magical. We can now officially confirm that rising star Bethany Weaver is set to don those famous blue gingham and, of course, the sparkling ruby slippers, taking on the pivotal role of Dorothy Gale in the second installment, 'Wicked: For Good.'

It's a huge moment for Weaver, a relatively fresh face in Hollywood, to be handed such an instantly recognizable and beloved character. While Dorothy herself isn't a central figure in the main narrative of Elphaba's origin story during the first 'Wicked' film – that's due out this November, remember? – her arrival in the Land of Oz is, ultimately, the catalyst for so much of what happens next. Her impact on the lives of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) is simply undeniable, and her presence in the sequel will truly bring the story full circle, closer to the Oz we all think we know.

For those of us who adore the 'Wicked' universe, this casting feels incredibly significant. It signals the true convergence of the musical's narrative with the events of L. Frank Baum's classic tale, 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.' Director Jon M. Chu, who has so skillfully brought us other dazzling musical adaptations like 'In the Heights,' seems to have a clear vision for how these two worlds will intertwine on screen. It’s a delicate balance, portraying the familiar while also offering a fresh, expanded perspective.

Weaver joins an already star-studded ensemble that includes Cynthia Erivo as the future Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba, and pop sensation Ariana Grande as the Good Witch Glinda. The cast is truly a dream, with Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, and Jeff Goldblum as the enigmatic Wizard. Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Bronwyn James, Keala Settle, Marissa Bode, and even Peter Dinklage lending his voice as Dr. Dillamond are all on board, creating a truly rich tapestry of talent.

'Wicked: Part One' is slated to hit theaters this Thanksgiving, on November 27, 2024, promising to whisk us away to the vibrant, yet complex, world of Oz. Then, a year later, on November 26, 2025, we'll finally get to witness Weaver's portrayal of Dorothy in 'Wicked: For Good,' bringing that iconic Kansas girl to life and setting the stage for the dramatic conclusion. It's an exciting time to be an Oz fan, don't you think? We can hardly wait to see how it all unfolds!