There must be some a sort of happy medium between 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 “Wicked: For Good” may have found it, at least in terms of some exciting new cast.
In one recent interview with Deadlineteased director Jon M. Chu 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 that it was someone big, explaining that he sent the unnamed star a direct message on Instagram in an attempt to get them for the role. “I thought, ‘It’s not a lot of lines, but you might have some time.’ I know you are busy. I will come to you. He was like, ‘Why the hell 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 voice of the Cowardly Lion steps on it. It’s gonna be wild.” Honestly, we would have loved the reveal. A real surprise! Unfortunately.
On Monday morning, an announcement was made on “Evil” Instagram account, featuring the brand-new “Wicked” star hiding behind a stuffed lion before revealing himself and saying, “See you in Oz!” OK, no complaints about the casting itself: it’s Colman Domingo! (You can check out that, admittedly very sweet, post below.)
The beloved two-time Oscar nominee is no stranger to voice acting: he has also voiced roles in “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” “Ruby Gilman, Teenage Kraken” and “The Electric State.” As the iconic Big Scary Cat, Domingo will take on a beloved role and make 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 Bronshenwyn.
The highly anticipated sequel follows the events of the beloved musical’s second act (with some necessary expansions), as Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship is tested 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.
