Who Plays Dorothy in Wicked: For Good? Meet Bethany Weaver
For over a year, fans of the Wicked franchise have been obsessively speculating about one major detail in the sequel: Who is wearing the ruby slippers? While Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have dominated the headlines as Glinda and Elphaba, the casting of Dorothy Gale in Wicked: For Good was kept under a veil of secrecy tighter than the Wizard’s security.
Rumors swirled that it might be rising star Alisha Weir or even global icon Taylor Swift. However, with the film’s release, the curtain has finally been pulled back. The actress stepping into the iconic blue gingham dress is Bethany Weaver.
Unlike the star-studded lead cast, Weaver is a relative newcomer to major Hollywood blockbusters, making her casting a delightful surprise for audiences. Here is everything you need to know about the actress, her role in the film, and why the director chose to keep her identity a mystery for so long.
Who Is Bethany Weaver?
Bethany Weaver is a 30-year-old actress, dancer, and choreographer based in Surrey, England. While she may not be a household name like her co-stars Jeff Goldblum or Michelle Yeoh, she has built a solid career in the performing arts.
Weaver trained at the prestigious Urdang Academy in London, honing the skills that would eventually land her on the yellow brick road. Her resume includes ensemble roles in productions like Broken Wings the Musical and Rumi the Musical. Interestingly, when she isn’t on stage or screen, she works as a Pilates instructor.
Maintaining the strength and flexibility required for dance-heavy roles—or teaching Pilates—requires dedication to body care. To keep skin firm and glowing like a performer ready for the spotlight, the Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Visibly Firming Body Cream is a top-tier choice for hydration and smoothing.
The “Manifesting” Moment
In a twist of fate that proves dreams can come true, Weaver posted on Instagram back in 2022 that she was “aggressively manifesting” a role in Wicked. Two years later, she is officially part of cinematic history, credited as Dorothy in one of the biggest musical adaptations of the decade.
Dorothy’s Role in ‘Wicked: For Good’
If you go into Wicked: For Good expecting Dorothy to have a massive monologue or a musical number, you might be surprised. The film stays true to the perspective of the witches, meaning Dorothy is a background player in their story, not the protagonist.
Screen Time and Dialogue
Reports indicate that Bethany Weaver’s screen time is brief—approximately 69 seconds. She has a very limited amount of dialogue, reportedly around six words, including a line where she shouts to the Wizard to wait for her.
The “Faceless” Approach
In the Broadway stage musical, Dorothy is never seen; she is merely a silhouette behind a screen or a voice from the wings. Director Jon M. Chu adapted this for the screen by including Dorothy physically but obscuring her face. While we see the iconic braids, the dress, and Toto, Weaver’s face is rarely shown clearly.
This was a deliberate creative choice. Chu explained to People magazine that he didn’t want to “step on” the audience’s personal vision of Dorothy. By keeping her somewhat anonymous, the film allows the audience to project their own memories of the 1939 classic onto the character, keeping the focus firmly on Elphaba and Glinda’s emotional journey.
Debunking the Rumors: It Wasn’t Taylor Swift
Before the reveal, the internet was rife with theories. The most popular rumor suggested that Alisha Weir, the breakout star of Matilda the Musical, had been cast. Weir even played coy in interviews, neither confirming nor denying the speculation, which only fueled the fire.
Another massive theory involved Taylor Swift. Fans dissected her music videos and public appearances for “clues,” convinced the pop superstar would make a cameo. However, these theories turned out to be just that—theories.
The production went to great lengths to protect Weaver’s identity. Cast members were reportedly banned from following her on social media to avoid sleuths connecting the dots. This level of secrecy ensured that the reveal remained a genuine surprise for theatergoers.
Achieving the “Kansas Farm Girl” Glow
Dorothy Gale is famous for her fresh-faced, innocent look. Whether you are auditioning for a play or just want that natural, “I woke up like this” radiance, skincare is the foundation.
1. Hydrated Lips
The first step to a fresh face is ensuring your lips are smooth and hydrated. The LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask EX – Berry is an industry favorite for overnight repair, ensuring you wake up with soft, supple lips ready for the day.
2. A Flawless Base
Even “no-makeup” makeup looks require a bit of help. To even out skin tone without looking heavy, use a lightweight concealer where needed. The NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer is perfect for spot correcting while maintaining a natural finish.
3. That Rosy Flush
Dorothy always looks like she’s just run through a cornfield. To mimic that healthy flush, a liquid blush is your best friend. The Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush is highly pigmented and blends like a dream, giving you a long-lasting glow that survives even a journey to the Emerald City.
Differences Between the Movie and the Musical
The inclusion of a physical Dorothy is one of the key differences between the Wicked stage show and the Wicked: For Good movie.
- The Musical: Dorothy is an abstract concept. We see her house fall on Nessarose, and we see a silhouette melting the Witch, but we never see a human actor.
- The Movie: The timeline runs parallel to the 1939 Wizard of Oz. We get glimpses of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion traveling down the Yellow Brick Road. This provides a tangible connection to the original story that audiences know and love.
Weaver’s Dorothy appears with her crew, reinforcing that while Elphaba is fighting for justice, Dorothy is simultaneously on her own quest. It adds a layer of tension, as the audience knows that Dorothy’s arrival spells doom for Elphaba.
Conclusion
Bethany Weaver’s role as Dorothy may be brief, but it is significant. She represents the intersection of two massive pop culture phenomenons: the modern Wicked universe and the classic Wizard of Oz legacy.
From a Pilates instructor in Surrey to sharing the screen with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, Weaver’s journey is a testament to persistence and the magic of casting. While her face may remain largely hidden to preserve the mystery, her presence completes the story.
As Wicked: For Good dominates the box office, Bethany Weaver can finally take her bow, stepping out of the shadows and into the spotlight as the girl who took down the Wicked Witch of the West.
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