Colman Domingo Steps Into the Lion's Paws for Wicked Sequel
The world of Oz is getting a new roar, and it's coming from Colman Domingo. He's been picked to play the Cowardly Lion in the upcoming movie Wicked: For Good. The news dropped on Monday, ending all the guesswork that had been buzzing online.
The Big Reveal
The big reveal came from the film's official Instagram page. They shared a fun video of Domingo surrounded by lion plush toys. The clip ends with him saying, "See you in Oz." Director Jon M. Chu had teased the news earlier, hinting that a major star would voice the part.
A Star-Studded Cast
Domingo is joining a cast full of big names:
- Ariana Grande as Glinda
- Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba
- Jonathan Bailey
- Ethan Slater
- Bowen Yang
- Michelle Yeoh
- Jeff Goldblum
Chu reached out to Domingo on Instagram to ask him to take on the role. He said, "It's not a ton of lines, but maybe you have a little time. I know you're busy. I'll come to you." Domingo's response was simple and straightforward: "Why the f--- not. Let's go."
Domingo's Stellar Career
Domingo is no stranger to the spotlight. He's been nominated for two Academy Awards and has won a Primetime Emmy. In 2024, Time Magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
The Buzz Around Wicked
The buzz around the Wicked sequel has been growing since the first movie came out in November 2024. The first full-length trailer for the sequel was released in June.
The Sequel's Plot
The sequel picks up where the first film left off. Elphaba is now an enemy of the state of Oz, while Glinda has become a public figure controlled by the Wizard, played by Goldblum.
The trailer also teases the arrival of Dorothy, seen walking down the yellow brick road with her friends. This suggests that the character might have a bigger role in the films than in the musical. However, it's still unclear who will be cast to play her.
Behind the Scenes
The movies are based on the hugely successful Broadway and West End musical, which itself was based on Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel. The two films were shot back-to-back at Sky Studios Elstree in the United Kingdom between December 2022 and January 2024. Production was interrupted mid-way through by the Hollywood actors' strike.
Box Office Success
Wicked was the highest-grossing movie of 2024 in the UK. It scored 10 Oscar nominations and won two for best costume and production design. The sequel movie is set to hit theaters almost a year-to-the-date of its predecessor on 21 November.