‘Wicked: For Good’ director Jon M. Chu says he auditioned actors for Dorothy behind a sheet
In an innovative approach to casting for the highly anticipated film adaptation of “Wicked: For Good,” director Jon M. Chu implemented a unique audition process that emphasized the character of Dorothy without revealing her face. This decision aligns with the film’s focus on the central characters, Elphaba and Glinda, and aims to keep the audience’s attention on their journey. To achieve this, Chu opted for silhouette-only auditions, where performers showcased their skills behind a sheet, allowing him to evaluate their movement and energy without being influenced by their facial features. Ultimately, dancer Bethany Weaver was selected for the role, embodying the youthful spirit that Chu sought.
The concept of keeping Dorothy’s face hidden throughout the film is a bold artistic choice that reinforces the narrative’s focus on Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship and struggles. While filming, Chu faced moments of doubt about this decision, especially when scenes inadvertently showcased Weaver’s face. He noted that these instances became distractions, reaffirming his commitment to the original vision of the film. Despite the unconventional portrayal, Weaver expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to carry on the legacy of iconic characters from “The Wizard of Oz.” In a heartfelt Instagram post, she reflected on the honor of stepping into Dorothy’s shoes, hoping to make past portrayals proud while embarking on her own journey down the yellow brick road.
“Wicked: For Good,” now playing in theaters, promises to offer a fresh perspective on the beloved story, emphasizing themes of friendship and identity. By shifting the focus away from a traditionally recognized character, the film invites audiences to engage more deeply with the emotional arcs of Elphaba and Glinda, ultimately crafting a narrative that feels both familiar and new. As the film continues to draw audiences, it will be interesting to see how this innovative casting choice resonates with fans of the original musical and the classic “Wizard of Oz” tale.
“Wicked: For Good.”
Universal
Director Jon M. Chu used silhouette-only auditions to cast Dorothy in “Wicked: For Good.”
Dorothy’s face is never shown in the film in order to keep the attention on Elphaba and Glinda.
Bethany Weaver, a dancer, was ultimately cast as Dorothy.
Dorothy’s pigtails and ruby slippers are iconic in “The Wizard of Oz.” But when it came to casting someone to play the character in ”
Wicked: For Good,
” director Jon M. Chu wanted the rest of her to be as unrecognizable as possible.
Dorothy’s face is never shown in the movie — she’s only shot from far away, from the legs down, or in silhouette. So Chu decided that for the auditions, he didn’t want to see the performers’ faces.
“We would put a sheet up, looking at the performer’s silhouette,”
Chu told Business Insider
. “Through that, I was looking at how she could walk, but also, could I guide her in that way? The person had to have youthful energy.”
“We ultimately chose a dancer, Bethany Weaver,” Chu added.
Despite the plan to never show Dorothy’s face, Chu admitted that he questioned his choice throughout filming.
(L-R) Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and Jon M. Chu on the set of “Wicked: For Good.”
Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures
“We shot some things where you could see her face,” Chu said. “But every time, it was a distraction.”
Chu said whenever he was unsure about not showing Dorothy, he would remind himself that the story is ultimately about Elphaba and Glinda.
“So every time it drew us to, ‘What does Dorothy think?’ we reminded ourselves of that,” he said.
Though her face is never seen on screen, Weaver is grateful for landing the role.
“It’s been an honour to carry the legacy of the brilliant women before me who have stepped into these shoes and embarked on the yellow brick road,” she wrote in an
Instagram post
. “I hope I have made them proud.”
“Wicked: For Good” is now playing in theaters.
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