There has to be some kind of happy medium between the JJ Abrams “mystery box” school of publicity and campaigns that overshare every little bit long before a film or series is released. For a moment there, it seemed as if “Wicked: For Good” might have found it, at least in regards to some exciting new casting.
In a recent interview with Deadline, director Jon M. Chu teased the voice casting of the iconic Cowardly Lion. While he didn’t tell the trade who would be stepping into the fluffy mane, he hinted it was someone big, explaining that he sent the unnamed star a direct message on Instagram in an attempt to snag them for the part. “I was like, ‘It’s not a ton of lines, but maybe you have a little time. I know you’re busy. I’ll come to you.’ He was like, ‘Why the fuck not, let’s go!’ And then we went ahead and recorded the lines.”
Chu then added: “Man, wait until the red carpet when the actor who gave us the Cowardly Lion’s voice steps foot on it. It’ll be wild.” Frankly, we would have loved that of reveal. A real surprise! Alas.
On Monday morning, an announcement was made on the “Wicked” Instagram account, with the brand-new “Wicked” star hiding behind a lion stuffed animal before revealing himself and saying: “See you in Oz!” OK, no complaints about the actual casting: it’s Colman Domingo! (You can check out the, admittedly very cute, post below.)
The beloved two-time Oscar nominee is no stranger to voice acting: he’s also voiced roles in “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” “Ruby Gilman, Teenage Kraken,” and “The Electric State.” As the iconic big scaredy cat, Domingo will be tasked on a well-loved role and making it his own.
“Wicked: For Good” will also see the return of stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as Elphaba Throp and Glinda Upland, respectively, as well as Bailey as Prince Fiyero, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Marissa Bode as Nessarose Thropp, Ethan Slater as Boq Woodsman, Bowen Yang as Pfannee and Bronwyn James as ShenShen.
The much-anticipated sequel follows the events of the beloved musical’s second act (with some necessary expansions), as Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship is put to the test as they embrace their new respective identities as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch of the North.
Universal will release the film in theaters on Friday, November 21.