The Emerald City is calling, and fans worldwide are buzzing with anticipation for the second installment of Jon M. Chu's cinematic adaptation of the beloved musical, Wicked. Now officially titled Wicked: For Good, this highly anticipated film is set to conclude the epic story of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande), delving deeper into the events that lead to the classic tale we all know. As the November 2025 release approaches, one burning question remains on everyone's mind: who will step into the iconic ruby slippers of Dorothy Gale?
Director Jon M. Chu made the strategic decision to split the acclaimed Broadway musical into two parts, allowing for a more comprehensive and nuanced exploration of the characters and the intricate world of Oz. This approach promises to give the stories of Elphaba and Glinda ample room to develop further, providing fans with a rich cinematic experience. The excitement reached a fever pitch with the release of the first official trailer for Wicked: For Good on June 4. This sneak peek offered audiences their first glimpse into the film adaptation of the second act of the hit Broadway musical, showcasing Elphaba waging her righteous war on Oz while Glinda navigates her own path. With the November 2025 release date locked in, the countdown has truly begun for fans eager to go back to Oz and witness the conclusion of this magical saga.
For those familiar with the stage production of Wicked, Dorothy Gale is never actually seen, though events in the musical are directly influenced by her arrival in Oz. However, director Jon M. Chu has confirmed that Wicked: For Good marks the arrival of Dorothy Gale, the pigtailed heroine famously played by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz (1939). While she's largely a shadowy figure in the stage play, Chu has indicated that Dorothy will have a slightly larger role in Wicked: For Good than she had in the first film. Her appearance is crucial, as Dorothy’s arrival in Oz sadly leads to the death of Elphaba’s sister Nessarose, the “Wicked Witch of the East.” The Wicked: For Good trailer also features Dorothy, seen from a distance with Toto, The Tin Man, The Scarecrow, and The Cowardly Lion, confirming her physical presence in the sequel. As the events of The Wizard of Oz begin to play out, and Elphaba’s portended defeat as the Wicked Witch of the West at Dorothy and her friends’ hands, her casting becomes all the more pivotal.
In the age of social media, speculation runs rampant, and the casting of such an iconic character is no exception. Several high-profile names have been incorrectly linked to the role of Dorothy, leading to widespread confusion among fans. It's important to set the record straight on these circulating rumors.
After the trailer for Wicked: For Good dropped, you might have seen social media posts claiming Taylor Swift is starring as Dorothy. Not only are they wrong, but these claims were fueled by fake AI-edited images showing Taylor Swift as Dorothy in Wicked: For Good, which circulated widely on social media. Fans now question whether the pop star will appear in the film, but rest assured, these rumors are entirely unfounded and have been debunked.
Another name that briefly appeared in the rumor mill was Dove Cameron. Yet, it appears that Dove Cameron’s name being included under the Wicked cast tab on Google is an administrative error, as there has been no official announcement regarding her involvement in the film. Like the Taylor Swift rumors, this was a false alarm, leaving the question of Dorothy's portrayal still open.
So, who will play Dorothy in Wicked: For Good, if anyone? While Universal and Jon M. Chu have not announced any official casting for Dorothy in Wicked: Part II (now For Good) at the time of writing, one name has consistently emerged as the overwhelming favorite and the subject of widespread speculation: Alisha Weir.
Alisha Weir, the young Irish actress who famously headlined 2022's Matilda the Musical and this year's vampire film Abigail, is the favorite to play Dorothy. Speculation has swirled online, with many pointing to the talented Matilda actress. The rumors gained significant traction when Alisha Weir was photographed with both cast members, further fueling the belief that she is indeed taking on the role. She is widely rumored to be played by Alisha Weir, and fans online have speculated that she might be the one to bring the iconic character to life. Although the iconic The Wizard of Oz character appearance remains unconfirmed, the strong theories point to Alisha Weir playing the part. Given that the sequel was shot back-to-back with Part I, if Weir is in Part II, her involvement would likely have been finalized during that period.
Dorothy Gale's presence in Wicked: For Good is far more than a mere cameo; it is central to the unfolding tragedy and transformation of Elphaba. Wicked depicts the moments leading up to The Wizard of Oz, and Dorothy’s arrival in Oz sadly leads to the death of Elphaba’s sister Nessarose, the “Wicked Witch of the East.” As the events of The Wizard of Oz begin to play out, and Elphaba’s portended defeat as the Wicked Witch of the West at Dorothy and her friends’ hands, there’s going to be plenty of dramatic weight resting on the young actress cast in the role. The character serves as a catalyst for much of the conflict and heartbreak that Elphaba experiences, directly linking the prequel story to the classic tale. Therefore, the casting of Dorothy is not just about finding a fresh face but finding an actress who can carry the significant narrative weight that comes with being the unwitting antagonist to Elphaba’s journey.
As Wicked: For Good gears up for its November 2025 release, the anticipation for its conclusion, and particularly the casting of Dorothy Gale, remains high. While Jon M. Chu has confirmed Dorothy's appearance and a slightly larger role in the sequel, no official casting announcement has been made by Universal. Despite persistent social media rumors linking Taylor Swift and Dove Cameron to the role (which have been debunked), all signs and consistent speculation point to young Irish actress Alisha Weir as the leading contender and favorite to portray the iconic character. Fans eagerly await the official word, but for now, Alisha Weir remains the most likely candidate to step into Dorothy's shoes and complete the bridge between Wicked and The Wizard of Oz.