The Secret Star: Who Plays Dorothy In The Wicked Movie And Why Her Face Is Hidden
The identity of the actress playing Dorothy Gale in the blockbuster *Wicked* film adaptation was one of Hollywood’s most closely guarded secrets, finally revealed to be the talented British performer, Bethany Weaver. As of December 19, 2025, the casting has been confirmed for the two-part cinematic event, *Wicked* and *Wicked: For Good*, though the role remains intentionally shrouded in mystery, mirroring the character's elusive nature in the musical's source material. The revelation of Weaver, an accomplished West End dancer and choreographer, surprised many fans who had been following intense speculation about who would step into the iconic blue-and-white gingham dress. The choice of a relatively unknown talent for a pivotal, yet mostly unseen, role is a deliberate narrative decision that serves the film’s central story.
This deep dive will not only reveal the full profile of the actress who secured the coveted role but also explore why the character of Dorothy is so crucial to the story of Elphaba and Glinda, despite her minimal presence. We will also address the viral rumors that incorrectly tied other major stars to the part, providing the most current and unique information available about one of the most talked-about casting decisions in recent musical movie history.
Bethany Weaver: Full Biography and Profile
The actress tasked with portraying the girl who accidentally sets the events of *Wicked* in motion is Bethany Weaver, a performer with a strong background in the UK’s musical theatre scene. Her casting represents a major break into feature films, following a career rooted in dance and choreography.
- Full Name: Bethany Weaver
- Date of Birth: November 21, 1995
- Age (as of 2025): 30
- Hometown/Base: Surrey, England, UK
- Training: The Urdang Academy, Guildford School of Acting (GSA)
- Notable Stage Roles: Ensemble and performer in West End productions including *Rumi the Musical* and *Broken Wings the Musical* (both in 2018).
- Other Credits: Choreographed the West End musical play *Asmahan* at the Peacock Theatre.
- Personal Note: Bethany has a twin sister named Amber.
- Wicked Role: Dorothy Gale in *Wicked* (2024 film) and *Wicked: For Good* (2025 film).
Weaver’s extensive experience as a dancer and choreographer is particularly relevant to the role of Dorothy, as the character’s presence in the film is often conveyed through physical movement and profile shots rather than traditional dialogue. Her background in West End musicals like *Rumi the Musical* and *Broken Wings* demonstrates the theatrical foundation necessary to handle a role that is both iconic and intentionally understated in the *Wicked* narrative.
The Mystery of Dorothy: Why Her Face is Never Seen
One of the most unique and fascinating aspects of the Dorothy Gale character in the *Wicked* films, and the reason for the initial secrecy surrounding her casting, is that her face is largely obscured. This creative decision is not a slight against the actress, Bethany Weaver, but a crucial element that preserves the narrative focus of the story.
A Narrative Tool, Not a Major Character
In the original *Wicked* novel by Gregory Maguire and the subsequent award-winning Broadway musical, Dorothy is not a main character. The story is a prequel focusing on the lives of Elphaba (the future Wicked Witch of the West, played by Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (the future Good Witch of the North, played by Ariana Grande). Dorothy’s arrival is the catalyst for the musical’s climax, but she is essentially a plot device—the "other girl" who arrives from Kansas and ultimately defeats Elphaba.
The stage musical version of *Wicked* handles Dorothy’s presence by having her heard off-stage, never fully seen by the audience. For the screen adaptation, director Jon M. Chu has chosen to give her a slightly larger, yet still deliberately limited, presence. Bethany Weaver’s portrayal features her primarily in profile, silhouette, or as a distant figure, ensuring that the audience’s emotional investment remains squarely on the journey of Elphaba and Glinda.
The Importance of the Ruby Slippers
Dorothy’s brief appearances are primarily designed to highlight the transfer of power and the tragic fate of Elphaba’s sister, Nessarose (the Wicked Witch of the East). When Dorothy’s house lands on Nessarose, it sets in motion the events that lead to Dorothy acquiring the iconic Ruby Slippers—a key source of power and a major point of contention between Elphaba and the Wizard of Oz (played by Jeff Goldblum). By keeping Dorothy's face hidden, the film maintains the focus on the emotional fallout of her actions on the main characters, rather than introducing a fully fleshed-out new protagonist. The mystery surrounding the actress, Bethany Weaver, became a perfect reflection of the character’s enigmatic role in Oz.
The Viral Casting Rumors That Swirled Around the Role
Before Bethany Weaver’s name was officially revealed, the role of Dorothy Gale sparked some of the most intense and widespread casting speculation for the *Wicked* movies. The small but crucial nature of the part led to several high-profile names being incorrectly linked to the role, demonstrating the massive fan interest in the film and its connection to *The Wizard of Oz* mythology.
The Alisha Weir Speculation
The most persistent and widely circulated rumor involved young Irish actress Alisha Weir. Weir had gained significant recognition for her starring role in the 2022 film adaptation of *Matilda the Musical* and the 2024 horror film *Abigail*. Fans were convinced she was playing Dorothy, especially after she was reportedly spotted at various *Wicked* red carpet events and premieres. However, this speculation was ultimately debunked. Alisha Weir is not playing Dorothy Gale. The rumors began simply because she fit the profile of a young, talented actress who had already proven her musical chops, but the role ultimately went to Bethany Weaver.
The Taylor Swift Theory
Perhaps the most sensational rumor involved global superstar Taylor Swift. The theory gained traction due to Swift’s close friendship with Glinda actress Ariana Grande and her known interest in acting roles. While director Jon M. Chu and the production team remained tight-lipped, the idea of Swift making a cameo as the iconic character fueled fan discussions across social media for months. This rumor, like the one involving Alisha Weir, proved to be unfounded, but it highlighted the intense curiosity surrounding the character's casting.
The decision to cast a less-known but highly skilled performer like Bethany Weaver over a major celebrity like Taylor Swift or a rising star like Alisha Weir underscores the filmmakers' commitment to the narrative choice: Dorothy is a pawn in the larger political and emotional conflict between Elphaba and the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Her presence is meant to be felt, not necessarily seen or star-powered.
Dorothy's Place in the Extended Wicked Universe
Understanding the character of Dorothy is impossible without grasping her relationship to the other key figures in the *Wicked* universe, particularly Elphaba and Glinda. The film, like the musical, is a prequel, meaning Dorothy’s arrival is the *end* of one story and the beginning of another.
The Conflict with Elphaba
For Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, Dorothy represents the ultimate injustice. Not only does Dorothy's house crush her beloved sister, Nessarose, but Dorothy also takes the Ruby Slippers—the only thing Elphaba has left of her sister. Furthermore, Dorothy is manipulated by the Wizard of Oz to carry out a quest to kill Elphaba, making her an unwitting antagonist. Bethany Weaver's brief yet impactful performance is intended to convey this sense of an innocent outsider causing catastrophic consequences for the protagonist.
The Oz Cast of Characters
The full ensemble cast of the *Wicked* films is a star-studded affair, emphasizing that the focus is on the established Oz characters and their backstories, not Dorothy. The main cast includes:
- Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp
- Ariana Grande as Glinda Upland
- Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar
- Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible
- Jeff Goldblum as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
- Ethan Slater as Boq
- Bowen Yang as Pfannee
In this context, Bethany Weaver’s Dorothy Gale is one small but essential piece of the puzzle, a figure who ties the prequel narrative back to the classic story of *The Wizard of Oz*. Her casting, while initially secretive, has been revealed as a thoughtful decision to honor the source material while introducing a fresh face to the world of Oz.
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