American actor and playwright Colman Domingo has been cast as the Cowardly Lion in the upcoming Wicked: For Good film, putting to rest a weekend of internet speculation on who woudl play the role.
The announcement was made by the film’s official Instagram account, which posted a video on Monday of Mr Domingo surrounded by lion-shaped plush toys.
Domingo has enjoyed a prosperous career on Broadway and was named one of the 100 most influential people by Time Magazine last year.
jeff Goldblum to Return as the Wizard in ‘Wicked: Part Two’
Jeff Goldblum is set to reprise his role as the Wizard in the upcoming sequel to the hit film Wicked, titled Wicked: Part Two.The news was confirmed by director Jon M. Chu, who shared a story about how Goldblum enthusiastically accepted the offer. According to Deadline, Chu asked goldblum if he would be interested in returning, to which Goldblum responded with a resounding, “Why the f— not. Let’s go.” https://deadline.com/2024/10/jeff-goldblum-wicked-part-two-wizard-1234853999/
Goldblum is a highly acclaimed actor, with two Academy Award nominations and a Primetime Emmy Award to his name. In 2024, Time Magazine recognized him as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2024/
Wicked: Part Two will continue the story following the events of the first film, which was released in November 2024. The first full-length trailer debuted in June 2024, generating significant buzz. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0W-XW-9-9Q
The sequel will focus on the aftermath of Elphaba and Glinda’s separation. Elphaba will be portrayed as an enemy of Oz, while Glinda navigates her role as a public figure under the control of the Wizard.The trailer also hints at a more prominent role for Dorothy and her companions,walking down the yellow brick road,than was present in the original stage musical. Casting for Dorothy has not yet been announced.
The Wicked films are based on the popular Broadway and West End musical, which in turn was adapted from Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel. https://www.wickedthemusical.com/
Both Wicked films were shot together at Sky Studios Elstree in the United Kingdom between December 2022 and January 2024. Production was temporarily halted due to the 2023 Hollywood actors’ strike.
The first Wicked film was the highest-grossing movie of 2024 in the UK and received 10 Oscar nominations, winning awards for best costume design and production design.
Wicked: Part Two is scheduled for release on November 21,2025,almost a year after the release of its predecessor.