Current Status of the Dorothy Role in Wicked
As of late 2025, there is no finalized, publicly confirmed casting for who will play Dorothy in a planned two-part film adaptation of Wicked based on the 2024 Broadway musical. Production has not begun, and earlier reported candidates remain unconfirmed by official studio announcements. Below is a status overview to clarify what is verified versus speculation.
Verified Studio Timeline and Context
Universal Pictures and Jon Landau have indicated the intention to move forward with a two-film Wicked adaptation of the stage musical, following the 2024 film centered on Elphaba and Glinda. The project remains in early development, with script and casting work ongoing. No production start date has been set.
Planned Two-Film Structure
The films are designed to adapt the Broadway musical comprehensively, covering the full story that fans know from the stage. This scope requires careful planning for major roles, including Dorothy, the Kansas framing story protagonist.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Number of films planned | Two | Studio announcements (2024–2025) |
| Musical source | Broadway musical (2024) | Universal Pictures/Landau Entertainment) |
| Current production status | Development; pre-production | Public statements; no start date |
| Dorothy casting | Not officially announced | Studio communications |
Reported Casting Rumors and Why They Remain Unconfirmed
Over the past year, various outlets have named emerging musical theater performers and rising film actors as possible Dorothy candidates. None of these names have been confirmed by Universal, Jon Landau, or representatives of the original stage creative team. Treat unverified reports as speculation.
What to Watch For Moving Forward
Key milestones that will clarify casting include an official script announcement, formal casting calls or announcements from the studio, and the start of principal photography. Until Universal makes a statement, any claimed Dorothy casting should be treated as rumor.
- Official studio casting announcement
- Script and director confirmation
- Start of principal photography
How This Compares With Other Major Musical Adaptations
Large-scale musical film adaptations typically take several years from greenlight to the start of filming, often 3–6 years, especially when translating intricate stage choreography and score to screen. Given that the stage musical reached Broadway only in 2024, the Wicked film is still in the early development phase.