Relative newcomer Bethany Weaver plays Dorothy Gale in “Wicked: For Good” (2025), captivating fans with her uncanny anonymity, creative backstory, and game-changing role in the record-breaking film sequel.
Key Takeaways
- Bethany Weaver is officially credited as Dorothy Gale in “Wicked: For Good” (2025), following over a year of online speculation and studio secrecy.
- Her interpretation of Dorothy is unique: she appears from behind or in shadow, and her face is never fully seen on screen—director Jon M. Chu’s creative decision keeps the audience’s own “Dorothy” intact.
- Weaver has a strong dance and stage background, with training at prestigious UK academies, and built her career as a choreographer and Pilates instructor before her big movie break.
- The secrecy around her casting fueled viral fan theories and social media buzz for months leading up to the film’s release.
- “Wicked: For Good” shattered box office records for a Broadway movie adaptation, bringing Bethany Weaver instant attention in both Hollywood and global theater circles.
Who Is Bethany Weaver?
Bethany Weaver is a 30-year-old British actress, dancer, and choreographer, making her feature film debut as Dorothy Gale in “Wicked: For Good” (2025). Before landing the role, she worked as a Pilates instructor and was associated with notable theater productions in the UK, including Rumi: The Musical and Broken Wings. Her background is rooted in movement, stage presence, and choreography for West End productions.
Bethany’s dream to join “Wicked” started years earlier. In March 2022, she posted a video singing “The Wizard and I” from Wicked on Instagram, manifesting her desire to be in the show. That dream would come true in spectacular, secretive fashion with this unprecedented “stealth” casting.
Bethany Weaver & Dorothy Gale—Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bethany Weaver |
| Birthplace | Surrey, England (based) |
| Age (2025) | 30 |
| Education | The Urdang Academy, Guildford School of Acting, Laine Theatre Arts |
| Key Theatre Credits | Rumi: The Musical, Broken Wings, choreographer for Asmahan |
| Role in “Wicked: For Good” | Dorothy Gale (2025 film, directed by Jon M. Chu) |
| On-screen presence | Face never shown in full, only 69 seconds of screen time |
| Unique twist | Character is central, yet deliberately anonymous |
How “Wicked: For Good” Changed Dorothy Forever
In “Wicked: For Good”—the blockbuster sequel to Wicked and retelling of Oz—Dorothy’s presence is both crucial and enigmatic. Director Jon M. Chu explained this was a conscious artistic choice:
“I didn’t want to step on who you think Dorothy is in whatever story that you came into this with … She is a pawn in the middle of all of it.”
— Jon M. Chu, director
This led to Weaver’s Dorothy being filmed almost exclusively from behind or partially in shadow. Her climactic scene—dousing Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) with water—is portrayed without a clear view of her face, a move that allows viewers to preserve their own memories of Dorothy, from Judy Garland to their favorite stage actress.
Bethany is credited in the film and now openly discusses her surreal journey, calling the role “life-changing” and expressing gratitude to her director and the “Wicked” fan community.
Record Box Office & Social Media Buzz
“Wicked: For Good” demolished records for musical adaptations, with a $150 million domestic opening weekend and $226 million globally—making it the biggest Broadway-to-film launch to date, even surpassing the first Wicked movie. The mysterious nature of Weaver’s role generated extra online chatter and fan speculation around the world.
What’s Next for Bethany Weaver?
- Weaver is expected to parlay her breakout notoriety into further film and musical projects.
- With the “Wicked” franchise far from over, fans are hopeful she’ll next appear more openly in other major projects or even on stage.
- As of now, Weaver is still active in the movement, fitness, and theatre scenes, but 2025 marks her full arrival on the big screen.
Subscribe for exclusive entertainment news, behind-the-scenes film stories!
Stay informed with the latest news, in-depth analysis, entertainment, technology, sports and exclusive insights like Bethany Weaver, Joel Edgerton, DOGECOIN, and MIA Airport. Visit Buzz Explained for more top stories, updates, and expert coverage from all around the world!