The internet was abuzz with speculation over the weekend as to who would take on the role of the Cowardly Lion in the highly anticipated sequel to the blockbuster musical Wicked: For Good, until the official Instagram account of the film revealed the casting of American actor and playwright Colman Domingo. The announcement was accompanied by a video posted on Monday, showing Mr. Domingo surrounded by plush lion-shaped toys, ending with him saying, "See you in Oz."
Director Jon M. Chu teased the news on Thursday, hinting that a major Hollywood star would be voicing the part. The director approached Mr. Domingo for the role on Instagram, recalling, "I was like, 'It's not a ton of lines, but maybe you have a little time. I know you're busy. I'll come to you.'" Mr. Domingo's response was swift and enthusiastic, recalling, "Why the f--- not. Let's go."
The addition of Mr. Domingo to the already star-studded cast, which includes Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, brings even more excitement to the film. The ensemble also includes Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum.
Mr. Chu told entertainment news outlet Deadline that he approached Mr. Domingo for the role due to his impressive resume, which includes two Academy Award nominations and a Primetime Emmy Award win. He was even named one of Time Magazine's 100 most influential people in 2024.
The buzz around Wicked: For Good has been growing since the release of the first film in November 2024. The first full-length trailer for the sequel was unveiled in June, teasing the continuation of Elphaba and Glinda's journey and the arrival of Dorothy - seen walking down the yellow brick road with her friends - suggesting a bigger role for the character in the films than in the musical. It's still unclear who will be cast to play Dorothy.
The two films were shot simultaneously at Sky Studios Elstree in the United Kingdom between December 2022 and January 2024, with production interrupted by the Hollywood actors' strike. Wicked was the highest-grossing movie of 2024 in the UK and scored 10 Oscar nominations, winning two for best costume and production design. The sequel is set to be released almost a year to the date of its predecessor on 21 November.
