Director Jon M. Chu Explains Why Dorothy Stayed in the Shadows in 'Wicked: For Good'
Director Jon M. Chu opens up about the creative choices behind Dorothy's limited presence in 'Wicked: For Good.' Discover why the iconic character's face remains unseen and how this decision shaped the film's unique perspective.
Warning: The following article includes spoilers for Wicked: For Good! When it came to bringing Wicked: For Good to the screen, director Jon M. Chu faced a big decision about how much of Dorothy Gale to reveal. The film, a prequel to the classic Oz tale, explores the story from Elphaba’s point of view, running parallel to Dorothy’s legendary journey. While fans might expect to see more of the girl from Kansas, Chu ultimately chose to keep her at arm’s length, never letting the audience see her face.
Creative Choices Behind the Curtain
Throughout the production process, there were ongoing conversations about how to handle Dorothy’s role. The creative team weighed the pros and cons of giving her a more prominent presence. Chu confirmed that there were plenty of discussions about whether to show Dorothy’s face or keep her identity more mysterious. In the end, the decision was made to focus on Elphaba and her story, allowing Dorothy to remain a distant figure in the background.
This approach gave the film a fresh angle, letting viewers experience Oz through new eyes. By keeping Dorothy’s face hidden, the story stayed centered on the characters who usually play second fiddle in the original tale. The audience gets to see familiar events unfold from a completely different perspective, which adds depth and intrigue to the narrative.
Reimagining an Iconic Character
Even though Dorothy is a central figure in the Oz universe, Wicked: For Good resists the urge to put her front and center. Instead, the film uses her presence to anchor the timeline and connect the dots between the classic story and this new take. All the major characters from Oz make appearances, but Dorothy’s role is intentionally limited, keeping her as a symbol rather than a fully realized character.
This creative choice not only preserves the mystique of Dorothy but also allows the audience to focus on the emotional journeys of Elphaba and the other key players. By not showing her face, the film invites viewers to imagine their own version of Dorothy, making her both familiar and elusive at the same time.