Dorothy Speaks! ‘Wicked: For Good’ Actor Bethany Weaver Says Taking Over Judy Garland’s Iconic Role Was a ‘Life-Changing Experience’

Dorothy Speaks! 'Wicked: For Good' Actor Bethany Weaver Says Taking Over Judy Garland's Iconic Role Was a 'Life-Changing Experience'

"Wicked: For Good" viewers might never see her face, but the actor Bethany Weaver plays a huge role in the blockbuster musical sequel. Weaver takes over the role of Dorothy Gale, originally played by Judy Garland in 1939's "The Wizard of Oz." The actor took to Instagram during "Wicked: For Good's"record-breaking opening weekendto reveal herself as the film's Dorothy.

"This has been a life changing experience, it's changed me in so many ways and most importantly, for good," Weaver wrote alongside behind-the-scenes photos from the "Wicked: For Good" set. "It's been an honor to carry the legacy of the brilliant women before me who have stepped into these shoes, and embarked on the yellow brick road. I hope I have made them proud. Thank you for the sheer volume of love, kind messages and support from all of my friends and family and the glorious wicked fans, I love you all so much!"

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Weaver, a relative newcomer who makes her feature film debut in "Wicked: For Good," proceeded to thank the film's casting director, costume designer and make-up artists for helping her land and transform into the role of Dorothy. She also thanked the movie's director, Jon M. Chu, writing: "A huge thank you to the best filmmaker of all time for choosing me to be your Dorothy in this wonderfully wicked universe called Oz. Thank you for contributing to starting my beginning."

The plot of "Wicked: For Good" unfolds concurrently with that of "The Wizard of Oz." In keeping in line with the Broadway musical, where Dorothy is never seen, the movie version only shows Dorothy from the back as she walks down the Yellow Brick Road and stands before the Wizard, who instructs her to bring him the broom of the Wicked Witch once she's been vanquished.

"Wicked: For Good" rocked the box office with a $150 million domestic debut, which is the biggest opening in history for a Broadway film adaptation. The sequel's launch was also much higher than the $112 million that the first "Wicked" movie launched to in 2024. Theseticket sales also rankas the year's second-biggest opening behind April's "A Minecraft Movie" ($162 million).

"Wicked: For Good" is now playing in theaters nationwide from Universal Pictures. Read Weaver's full Instagram post below.

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