Why Dorothy'S Face Stays Hidden In 'Wicked: For Good' – A Hollywood Twist

Dorothy's Mysterious Presence

After all the anticipation, we've finally uncovered the actress stepping into Dorothy's iconic ruby slippers—or rather, silver ones—in the 2025 sequel, 'Wicked: For Good.' But there's a catch: we never actually see Dorothy's face, keeping the mystery alive. This curious choice by director Jon M. Chu has sparked quite the buzz in Tinseltown.

Bethany Weaver, the talented British stage actress, choreographer, and Pilates instructor, brings Dorothy to life. In a heartfelt Instagram post on November 23, Weaver shared, “This has been a life changing experience, it’s changed me in so many ways and most importantly, for good. It’s been an honour to carry the legacy of the brilliant women before me who have stepped into these shoes, and embarked on the yellow brick road. I hope I have made them proud.”

Director’s Vision: Keeping Dorothy a Secret

Director Jon M. Chu intentionally keeps Dorothy's face hidden—a move reminiscent of the original Broadway musical where Dorothy is absent from the stage. Explaining his decision, Chu told Elle in October, “She’s in [the movies] more than in the [Broadway] show, but I want to keep her a mystery because I want everyone’s Dorothy to be their Dorothy.” This choice was made to maintain the focus on Elphaba and Glinda’s story.

The Silver Slippers: A Nod to the Past

Another twist in 'Wicked: For Good' is all about the footwear. Instead of the famous ruby red slippers, Dorothy dons silver ones, aligning with L. Frank Baum's 1900 novel, 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.' This choice was partly due to copyright concerns, ensuring 'Wicked' didn't tread on the 1939 film’s iconic elements.

Oscar-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell embraced this opportunity to honor the original book's vision. Discussing his approach, Tazewell told Harper’s Bazaar, “I used a silhouette of a little girl’s dress from the turn of the century, created in blue gingham, which is very specific to the Dorothy image that we know.” By doing so, the team managed to balance nostalgia with innovation, all while paying homage to Dorothy's literary roots.