Colman Domingo joins ‘Wicked: For Good’ as the brave voice behind the cowardly lion

Actor and playwright Colman Domingo has officially joined the magical world of ‘Wicked: For Good’ lending his voice to one of Oz’s most beloved characters, the Cowardly Lion. The film’s team shared the exciting news on Instagram and fans couldn’t be happier.

In the playful reveal video, Domingo hides behind a stuffed lion before dramatically uncovering his face and cheerfully saying, “See you in Oz!”

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Director Jon M Chu, who helmed the upcoming ‘Wicked’ films, had been teasing the big reveal for weeks. “Wait until the red carpet when the actor who gave the Cowardly Lion his voice shows up. It’ll be wild,” Chu hinted earlier.

The Cowardly Lion has a rich legacy in cinematic history. First appearing in the classic 1939 film ‘The Wizard of Oz’, the character symbolises courage behind fear. In the ‘Wicked’ story, audiences get to see the Lion’s origins. He transitions from a young cub saved by Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey). After witnessing the cruel treatment of animals in class, Elphaba’s magic bursts out in a powerful moment helping her and Fiyero rescue the frightened cub and set it free, unknowingly saving the future Cowardly Lion.

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‘Wicked: For Good’ is the highly anticipated sequel to ‘Wicked’ (2024), based on the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical by Winnie Holzman with music by Stephen Schwartz. The films reimagine the world of Oz through the eyes of Elphaba. She is the misunderstood girl who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the bubbly witch destined to be good.

Returning to the cast are Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Ariana Grande as Glinda, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero. Michelle Yeoh joins as Madame Morrible, Ethan Slater as Boq, Marissa Bode as Nessarose, and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard. New additions include Bowen Yang as Pfannee and Bronwyn James as ShenShen.

The sequel will follow the second act of the beloved stage musical. It will explore how Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship undergoes a test as they embrace their fates. One is the Wicked Witch of the West and the other is Glinda the Good Witch of the North. Their choices will change Oz forever.

Universal Pictures will release ‘Wicked: For Good’ in theatres on November 21.