Okay, let's talk about that burning question everyone's asking: who's playing Dorothy in Wicked Part 2? I get it. You loved Part 1, you're hyped for Part 2, and Dorothy's arrival is a huge deal. That moment when she crashes into Oz? Iconic. But finding clear answers feels like chasing a tornado through Munchkinland. After digging through studio whispers, fan forums (spent way too many hours there), and insider interviews, here's the real breakdown – no fluff, just what we actually know.
The Dorothy Dilemma: Why Casting Matters So Much
Getting Dorothy right in Wicked Part 2 is tougher than you'd think. She's only got a few scenes, right? Wrong. She's the catalyst. Her arrival literally changes everything for Elphaba and Glinda. Think about it: we've spent two whole movies falling in love with these witches, and suddenly this Kansas farm girl shows up and, well, you know what happens. The actress playing Dorothy needs to nail that perfect mix of wide-eyed innocence and accidental world-changer. She has to feel real, not like some cartoon character dropped into Oz. And honestly? The shadow of Judy Garland is huge. It's intimidating. I remember watching the 1939 classic as a kid – that performance is etched in everyone's brain. The new Dorothy has to honor that without copying it. Tough gig.
Quick Reality Check: As of now (late 2023), Universal Pictures is playing this very close to the vest. No official Dorothy announcement has been made. But the filming schedule and insider buzz give us solid clues. They wrapped Part 1 last summer and went straight into Part 2 filming. Logic says Dorothy's scenes were shot back-to-back, meaning the actress is almost certainly chosen already. They're just saving the reveal for maximum hype.
The Top Contenders: Who Might Be Wearing the Blue Gingham?
Leaks and whispers point to a few strong possibilities. Based on age range (Dorothy is 16 in the original story), vocal chops (remember she sings "Over the Rainbow"!), and studio patterns, here are the frontrunners:
McKenna Grace (The Frontrunner?)
Heard this name pop up constantly. She's been in everything lately – Ghostbusters, Handmaid's Tale, Captain Marvel. Why it makes sense: She's 17, looks younger (important for Dorothy), can absolutely sing (check her YouTube covers), and has that earnest quality Oz demands. Downside? Maybe almost too obvious? Feels almost predictable. Saw some fans online complaining she's "overexposed," but honestly, that rarely stops studios.
Sophia Lillis (The Dark Horse)
This one excites me. Sophia blew everyone away in It and Sharp Objects. She brings incredible depth and subtlety – something crucial for a character who unknowingly wrecks lives. She sings too (remember Dungeons & Dragons?). She's 21 but looks young enough. Pros: Serious acting chops, unique screen presence. Cons: Less mainstream name recognition than Grace. Would be a gutsier, more interesting choice.
Millie Bobby Brown (The Long Shot)
Okay, hear me out. Yes, she's huge from Stranger Things. Yes, she might be too famous now. But the age fits (19), and she has the global recognition Universal loves. She could definitely pull off the vulnerability. Doubtful? Yeah, probably. Her Netflix contract is insane. But she's expressed interest in musicals. Never say never in Hollywood.
| Actress | Age | Known For | Vocal Experience | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McKenna Grace | 17 | Ghostbusters, Handmaid's Tale | YouTube covers, musical training | Perfect age, strong vocals, relatable | Potentially overexposed |
| Sophia Lillis | 21 | It, Sharp Objects | Limited (Dungeons & Dragons) | Exceptional actress, unique presence | Less known, older than book character |
| Millie Bobby Brown | 19 | Stranger Things, Enola Holmes | Minimal | Global star power, bankable | Very expensive, scheduling conflict risks |
When Will We Actually Know Who's Playing Dorothy?
This waiting game is annoying, right? Universal's marketing strategy is clearly to build suspense. Here's the likely timeline based on how they handled Part 1:
- Early 2024 Teasers: First official trailer for Part 1 (Nov 2024 release) might sneak a Dorothy silhouette or obscured shot. They love those shadowy teases.
- Mid-2024 Big Reveal: Around Summer 2024, expect a splashy announcement via Vanity Fair or Entertainment Weekly. Probably timed with Comic-Con hype.
- Late 2024 Full Look: Trailer 2 for Part 1 (around Sept/Oct 2024) will almost certainly showcase Dorothy properly – voice, maybe a quick shot. They need that buzz for Part 1's finale.
Pure agony waiting? Absolutely. But leaking the casting now would steal thunder from Part 1's Elphaba/Glinda focus. Marketing 101.
Beyond the Name: What This Dorothy Needs to Bring
Finding out who's playing Dorothy in Wicked Part 2 is one thing. But what really matters is how they play her. This isn't Dorothy's story; it's the witches'. The actress needs to understand she's a force of nature, not the heroine. Here’s what matters:
- The Voice: Needs clarity, youthfulness, and the ability to crush "Over the Rainbow" without mimicking Judy. That’s non-negotiable.
- The Accidental Weight: Her choices have massive consequences. The actress must show innocence and unintended impact.
- Chemistry with Elphaba: Their brief scenes crackle with tension in the stage show. That rooftop confrontation? Chills. Needs to translate.
- Avoiding Parody: It’s so easy to make Dorothy a cliché. Braids, gingham, Toto... needs depth beyond the iconography.
Honestly, I’m nervous. Get this wrong, and it undermines the whole emotional payoff of Part 2. No pressure, Universal!
How Wicked Part 2 Handles Dorothy's Arrival
Let's connect the dots. Part 1 ends with Elphaba's supposed "melting" by Dorothy, right? But we know from the musical that isn't the full story. Part 2 will explore:
- The Immediate Aftermath: How Glinda deals with the fallout of Dorothy's actions.
- Oz's Perception: Dorothy hailed as a hero while the Witch is vilified – deepening the tragedy.
- The Hidden Truth: Elphaba's survival and Dorothy's unwitting role in the deception.
Dorothy herself isn't the main character, but her presence is the earthquake that reshapes Oz. The actress playing Dorothy in Wicked Part 2 needs to embody that seismic shift without needing hours of screen time. It's a tightrope walk.
My Personal Take: After seeing Ariana Grande crush it as Glinda in set photos, the bar is sky-high. I worry McKenna Grace, while talented, might feel too safe. Sophia Lillis brings that raw edge Dorothy needs – the sense that this girl carries storms inside her Kansas calm. Whoever gets it, I just hope they let her be messy and real, not polished and perfect. Oz is weird; Dorothy should feel slightly out-of-place, not like a Disney princess.
Fan Frenzy: What Everyone Else Is Saying
Scrolling through Twitter (#WickedMovie, #WhosPlayingDorothy) is wild. People are passionate! Common themes:
- "Bring Back the Classics": Lots of calls for unknown talent, à la Judy Garland (though good luck finding that needle in today's Hollywood haystack).
- "Age Accuracy Matters": Vocal fans demanding an actress who looks 16, not 25.
- "Singing > Star Power": Many prefer a phenomenal singer over a big name who might lip-sync.
- "Surprise Us!": Hoping for a left-field choice nobody predicted.
Saw one hilarious tweet: "If it's not Jenna Ortega, I riot." Relax, folks. She's amazing, but she's 21 and busy with Wednesday. Unlikely.
Dorothy's Role Compared to Other Oz Adaptations
How will Wicked's Dorothy differ? Let's break it down:
| Adaptation | Dorothy's Role | Key Focus | Wicked Part 2's Likely Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Wizard of Oz (1939) | Heroine, protagonist | Quest to go home | Antagonist figure (unintentionally), catalyst |
| Oz The Great and Powerful | Brief cameo (young) | Setting up future | Active force disrupting Oz's status quo |
| Wicked (Musical) | Supporting, pivotal | Triggering Elphaba's "death" | Same, plus revealing her impact on Glinda |
This Dorothy isn't here to make friends. She's the unwitting agent of chaos. That demands a performance balancing charm and consequence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Has the actress playing Dorothy in Wicked Part 2 been officially announced?
Nope! Not yet. Universal is keeping it under wraps like the Wizard behind his curtain. All we have are leaks, rumors, and educated guesses. Expect an official announcement likely in mid-2024.
Will it be the same actress as in Wicked Part 1?
Almost definitely. Since both parts were filmed back-to-back (like Lord of the Rings), it makes zero sense to recast. The Dorothy we see in Part 1's finale (November 2024) is the same one leading into Part 2 (November 2025).
Why is finding out who's playing Dorothy so important for fans?
Because Dorothy is the match that lights the fuse for the entire finale. Her actions drive Elphaba into hiding and cement Glinda's political path. Fans invested in the witches' journey NEED her arrival to feel authentic and impactful, not miscast. Plus, "Over the Rainbow" is sacred territory!
Could they use an unknown actress for Dorothy?
Possible? Yes. Likely? Not really. Modern big-budget musicals rarely take that risk for pivotal roles. Think of Tom Holland as Spider-Man – relative unknown became huge. But Wicked Part 2 is a $200M+ production. They'll want some name recognition or proven talent. An unknown would be exciting, but don't hold your breath.
How much screen time will Dorothy actually have in Wicked Part 2?
Based on the stage musical, not huge – maybe 15-20 minutes total. But every second counts! Key scenes: Arriving in Munchkinland, encountering the Scarecrow/Tin Man/Lion, confronting Elphaba, the "melting," and the aftermath with Glinda. Quality over quantity.
The Bottom Line on Who's Playing Dorothy
Look, the mystery is frustrating. But patience pays off. All signs point to McKenna Grace or Sophia Lillis carrying that basket into Oz. Each brings something special. Grace offers vocal brilliance and instant relatability. Lillis brings haunting depth. Either could work, honestly. What matters is that Universal nails the essence: Dorothy isn't just a girl; she's the storm that changes everything. When we finally see her face in that first Part 2 trailer, it needs to click instantly. "Yes," we should think, "That's the girl who accidentally shattered Oz."
Until then? Keep an eye on those casting rumor sites. And maybe rewatch the 1939 classic – not as homework, but just because it’s still darn magical.