With the highly anticipated release of Wicked: For Good this Friday, 21st November 2025, one of the film's biggest mysteries has finally been solved. After much speculation, the actress stepping into the iconic ruby slippers has been identified as Bethany Weaver, a talented but relatively unknown performer from Surrey.
The Big Reveal: Who Is The New Dorothy?
Eagle-eyed fans who attended exclusive preview screenings on Monday, 17th November, uncovered the casting secret, with reports later confirmed by outlets including RadioTimes. The role of the young girl from Kansas, a pivotal character in the original musical's second act, has been the subject of intense online debate.
Names like Olivia Rodrigo and Alisha Weird were rumoured, but the part ultimately went to Bethany Weaver, a 30-year-old choreographer. Despite her low public profile, Weaver boasts an impressive theatrical resume. Her credits include prominent London productions such as Asmahan at the Peacock Theatre, Rumi the Musical, and Broken Wings the Musical.
While Bethany Weaver has not yet publicly commented on the news via her social media channels, it is expected she will confirm her involvement upon the film's official global premiere this Friday.
Why Dorothy's Face Remains a Mystery
In a unique creative decision, director Jon M. Chu made the choice to never fully show Dorothy's face throughout the entire movie. This departure from the stage production ensures the narrative focus remains squarely on its two leads, Elphaba and Glinda, played by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
Chu explained his reasoning to People magazine, stating, "I didn't want to step on who you think Dorothy is in whatever story that you came into this with." He emphasised that Wicked: For Good is still Elphaba and Glinda's journey, and that Dorothy serves as a "pawn in the middle of all of it."
This artistic direction has been supported by the cast. Cynthia Erivo, who portrays Elphaba, praised the move in an interview with Empire, saying, "I think that’s such a wonderful thing to do, because then everyone gets to keep the Dorothy that they know." She believes it allows every audience member to have their own personal moment with the beloved character.
Bethany Weaver's Stealthy Film Debut
For Bethany Weaver, this marks her first major role in a Hollywood blockbuster, albeit a faceless one. However, sharp-eyed viewers will be able to spot her in both parts of the Wicked film adaptation. The actress also made a brief, non-speaking appearance at the beginning of the first Wicked movie, making her a subtle yet consistent presence in the cinematic universe.
As fans across the UK and beyond prepare for the film's release, the revelation of Dorothy's identity adds an exciting new layer to the culmination of this much-loved story.
