The land of Oz just got a little braver. Oscar-nominated actor Colman Domingo has officially joined Wicked: For Good as the voice of the Cowardly Lion, adding his distinctive presence to one of cinema’s most beloved fantasy worlds.
The news broke on Monday through the official Wicked Instagram account, where Domingo appeared in a playful reveal video. Hiding behind a stuffed lion toy, he grinned and declared, “See you in Oz!” — sending fans of both the musical and the actor into instant celebration mode.
Directed by Jon M. Chu, Wicked: For Good serves as the second part of the blockbuster adaptation of the Broadway phenomenon. The sequel follows the events of 2024’s Wicked, expanding the storylines of Elphaba and Glinda as the magical world of Oz evolves in the aftermath of their choices. The film is slated to hit theatres worldwide on November 21, 2025.
Domingo, who earned an Academy Award nomination for Rustin and starred in acclaimed projects like Euphoria and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, brings his commanding voice and emotional range to the role. According to director Chu, the idea came together quickly — and spontaneously. “I was like, ‘It’s not a ton of lines, but maybe you have a little time. I know you’re busy.’ He was like, ‘Why the f— not, let’s go!’” Chu told Entertainment Weekly.
In Wicked: For Good, the Cowardly Lion — first seen as a cub rescued by Elphaba in the first film — is expected to return as an adult, offering a bridge to the classic Wizard of Oz mythology. Domingo’s casting also signals a creative decision to deepen familiar characters while maintaining the emotional continuity of the story.
Fans online have already embraced the announcement, flooding comment sections with excitement and relief. One viral post read, “We are officially free from James Corden,” a tongue-in-cheek reference to earlier speculation about potential casting choices. Domingo’s inclusion has instead been widely praised for bringing gravitas and authenticity to the role.
The star-studded cast of Wicked: For Good also features Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Ariana Grande as Glinda, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard. With such a lineup, Universal Pictures appears to be positioning the sequel as both a visual spectacle and an emotional crescendo to the two-part saga.
“See you in Oz,” Domingo teased in his announcement video — and with his addition to the ensemble, the yellow brick road to Wicked: For Good just got a lot more exciting.
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