Director Jon M. Chu has finally revealed the reasoning behind one of the most intriguing creative choices in Wicked: For Good — keeping Dorothy’s face hidden throughout the film. The second instalment of Chu’s two-part adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical sparked curiosity among fans when viewers noticed that the iconic character was never fully shown on screen.
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Speaking to Business Insider, Chu explained that the decision was intentional from the very beginning. He noted that the film exists in the same magical world first introduced in the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz, where Judy Garland famously portrayed Dorothy. However, the new adaptation maintains its own narrative focus, which meant the character needed to be present — but not prominent.
Cynthia Erivo seemingly confirms that we will not see Dorothy’s face in ‘Wicked: For Good’
Dorothy crashes into Oz – but she’ll mainly be seen from afar, more a presence than a character. “I think that’s such a wonderful thing to do because then everyone gets to keep the Dorothy… pic.twitter.com/7w3mpg0nwg
— The Wicked Source (@TheWickedSource) September 22, 2025
Chu shared that the casting process was highly specific. “At the auditions, we would put a sheet up, looking at the performer’s silhouette,” he said. “I was looking at how she could walk, and whether I could guide her movement. The person had to have youthful energy, so we ultimately chose a dancer.”
The director also revealed that several scenes showing Dorothy’s face were filmed but ultimately cut from the final version. According to Chu, showing her clearly disrupted the story’s central arc. “We had opportunities to show more, and we shot some things where you could see her face,” he said. “But every time, it was a distraction. Our intention, from the beginning, was not to show her face.”
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Wicked: For Good continues the story of Glinda and Elphaba, portrayed by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, adding depth to their journey while carefully preserving the mystique surrounding Dorothy. Chu’s creative choice, though surprising to some viewers, aligns with his vision of keeping the focus firmly on the witches’ intertwined destinies.