Director Jon M. Chu Explains Dorothy’s Elusive Role in ‘Wicked: For Good’

Warning: The following article includes spoilers for Wicked: For Good! The much-anticipated film Wicked: For Good nearly offered viewers a far greater glimpse of Dorothy, but director Jon M. Chu ultimately took a different approach. As a prequel to the classic tale, Wicked explores the origins of several familiar figures from The Wizard of Oz. The latest instalment frequently unfolds alongside Dorothy’s iconic journey, yet this time, the narrative is told through the eyes of Elphaba, the so-called Wicked Witch of the West.

While the film does introduce all the principal characters from Oz, the creative team made a deliberate decision to keep Dorothy at arm’s length. Throughout For Good, the young girl is present, but her face remains hidden from the audience. This choice was not made lightly, as Chu has revealed there were extensive conversations about whether to bring Dorothy into the spotlight or maintain her as a more mysterious figure.

Behind the Curtain: Creative Decisions

Chu and his team weighed up the impact of showing Dorothy’s face, considering how it might shift the focus away from Elphaba’s perspective. The director explained that the intention was to preserve the unique viewpoint of the story, ensuring that the audience experienced Oz through Elphaba’s eyes rather than retreading familiar ground. This approach allowed the film to carve out its own identity, distinct from previous adaptations.

By keeping Dorothy’s features obscured, the film maintains a sense of intrigue and distance, inviting viewers to see the world of Oz in a new light. The decision also pays homage to the original source material, where Dorothy’s journey is well-known, but here, she becomes almost a background presence, shaping events without dominating them.

Balancing Nostalgia and Innovation

Striking the right balance between honouring the beloved story and offering something fresh was a central challenge for the filmmakers. The choice to limit Dorothy’s on-screen presence was part of a broader effort to focus on the untold stories of Oz’s other inhabitants. Audiences are given glimpses of the familiar, but the spotlight remains firmly on Elphaba and her transformation.

This creative restraint has sparked much discussion among fans, with some appreciating the subtlety and others left wanting more. Nevertheless, Chu’s decision underscores a commitment to storytelling that prioritises character depth and perspective over simple nostalgia.