Wicked' Director Reveals Why Dorothy's Cameo Was Radically Changed

Warning: This article contains major spoilers for the movie Wicked: For Good. The blockbuster musical reimagines the world of Oz, presenting a story that unfolds alongside the well-known tale of a girl from Kansas. This narrative, however, belongs entirely to Elphaba, the misunderstood woman who would later be labeled the Wicked Witch of the West. But a key creative choice regarding the famous visitor in the ruby slippers was almost handled very differently by the production team.

A Calculated Obscurity

Director Jon M. Chu confirmed that the creative team had extensive conversations about how much to feature Dorothy. The idea of giving her more screen time, and even showing her face, was seriously considered during development. The discussions were apparently quite involved, weighing the pros and cons of bringing such a legendary character into sharper focus within a story that isn't hers. Ultimately, the decision was made to keep her at a distance.

This choice maintains the unique perspective that defines the production. By keeping the Kansas farm girl as a peripheral figure, the narrative firmly centers on Elphaba's experiences, emotions, and motivations. Dorothy's journey through Oz becomes the backdrop for Elphaba's transformation, rather than the main event. This artistic decision ensures that the audience experiences the events of that fateful time through a completely new set of eyes, preserving the core purpose of the story.

Weaving a New Narrative

Wicked has always served as a prequel that re-contextualizes the characters from The Wizard of Oz. The latest installment continues this tradition, with many of its scenes happening at the same time as the original 1939 classic's plot. It peels back the curtain on the established heroes and villains, offering complex backstories for figures like Glinda the Good and the Wizard himself, challenging everything audiences thought they knew.

While all the familiar faces from the classic story make an appearance in some form, the film intentionally shifts the spotlight. It was a major point of contention for the filmmakers should they bring the classic heroine front and center or not? By relegating the iconic protagonist of the original story to the background, the movie reinforces that this is a different tale altogether. Her presence is felt as a catalyst for events, but her personal story remains just out of frame.

The Director's Final Cut

The final on-screen result is a direct reflection of Jon M. Chu's vision for the project. He opted to portray Dorothy as a force of nature seen from afar, a crucial piece of the puzzle in Elphaba's life but not a character the audience gets to know personally. This approach required a delicate balance, acknowledging her importance to the timeline without letting her overshadow the true protagonist of this particular saga.

This creative gamble means that viewers never get a clear look at the young girl's face. She is glimpsed from a distance or obscured, making her more of a symbol than a fully-fledged character in this telling. The choice underscores the film's commitment to its source material's spirit, which is to tell the untold story of the witches of Oz, leaving the tale of the girl in the gingham dress for another time.