Colman Domingo Joins ‘Wicked: For Good’ as the Cowardly Lion
A Royal Reveal for Oz
The yellow brick road just gained a new, regal voice. In a casting announcement that has set film and theater circles abuzz, Academy Award-nominated actor Colman Domingo is officially joining the land of Oz, voicing the Cowardly Lion in the upcoming movie musical Wicked: For Good .
The sequel to the 2024 blockbuster Wicked made the announcement on its official Instagram account, cutting short a weekend of intense online speculation. The post featured a video of Colman Domingo playfully hiding behind a stuffed lion toy before revealing himself to the camera with a wink and the simple, evocative phrase: “See you in Oz!” .
Director Jon M. Chu had expertly built anticipation for the reveal just days earlier. In an interview, he teased that a “major Hollywood star” had taken on the role, a secret he initially hoped to save for the film’s red carpet premiere. “Man, wait until the red carpet when the actor who gave us the Cowardly Lion’s voice steps foot on it. It’ll be wild,” Chu had promised . The director’s plan for a grand surprise was delightfully upstaged by the official social media reveal, much to the satisfaction of eager fans.
The Director’s Direct Message
The journey to casting Colman Domingo began with a simple social media direct message. Chu recounted the informal process of recruiting the busy actor, stating he reached out via Instagram . Fully transparent about the role’s scope, the director pitched the part by saying, “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 immediate and enthusiastic: “Why the f*** not, let’s go!” . This quick, collaborative exchange highlights the playful spirit surrounding the project and showcases Chu’s determination to bring top-tier talent to Oz, even for pivotal supporting roles.
Colman Domingo: A Career of Courage
Casting Colman Domingo as the Cowardly Lion is a piece of cinematic poetry. The actor is renowned for his powerful, courageous performances, earning back-to-back Oscar nominations for his leading roles in Rustin (2023) and Sing Sing (2024) . His career is a testament to the very bravery his character seeks.
The role continues Domingo’s foray into voice acting, adding a iconic character to a portfolio that includes Transformers: Rise of the Beasts and The Electric State . His ability to convey deep emotion and complexity through his voice alone makes him a perfect fit to bring a new dimension to the beloved lion.
The Lion’s Journey from Cub to King
For audiences who saw Wicked, this lion is not a stranger. The sequel will see the character’s full-circle moment. In the first film, the Cowardly Lion was introduced as a young cub, rescued by Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) from a cage in a classroom . In a poignant scene, a teacher callously explained that the imprisoned cub would never learn to speak—a moment that ignited Elphaba’s fury and set the cub free .
Wicked: For Good finds that cub fully grown, but burdened with resentment. The now-grown lion blames Elphaba for his situation, a complex emotional twist that adds depth to his journey . As the film’s timeline overlaps with the classic The Wizard of Oz story, audiences will see Domingo’s Lion joining Dorothy, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Man on their famed journey down the Yellow Brick Road to meet the Wizard, played by Jeff Goldblum . The character is also set to appear during the musical number “March of the Witch Hunters” .
A Star-Studded Return to Oz
Colman Domingo joins an already glittering cast returning to Oz. The sequel sees the return of Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, whose fractured friendship remains the emotional core of the story . They are joined by Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard .
Wicked: For Good will cover the second act of the Broadway musical, exploring the consequences of Elphaba and Glinda’s choices as they fully embrace their destinies as the Wicked and Good Witches, forever changing the fate of Oz .
A Roar of Approval
The announcement of Colman Domingo‘s casting was met with widespread celebration online, a relief to fans who had spent the weekend speculating about other potential actors . The confirmation that Domingo would be behind the lion’s mane was seen as a major win for the production, uniting fans in excitement for the film’s impending release.
With the official reveal of Colman Domingo as the Cowardly Lion, the final pieces of Wicked: For Good are falling into place. The film is scheduled to defy gravity in theaters on November 21, 2025