The highly anticipated Wicked 2 For Good is gaining even more star power. Director Jon M. Chu confirmed that Colman Domingo will voice the Cowardly Lion in the sequel to 2024’s Wicked. The announcement sent fans into overdrive, not only because Domingo is an Oscar winner with stage presence and screen credibility, but because it confirms that the beloved Wizard of Oz character will play a bigger role as the story shifts towards its grand finale.
The film is set to hit theaters on November 21, 2025.
What Wicked 2 For Good is Building Toward
If the first part of Wicked introduced audiences to Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande), Wicked 2 For Good will bring their friendship, rivalry, and destinies full circle. The second installment will cover the back half of the Tony-winning Broadway musical, including some of its most emotional and recognizable songs, like “For Good.”
Fan know the sequel will drive into darker, more dramatic territory, showing Elphaba’s transformation into the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda’s rise as the Good Witch.
By splitting the adaptation into two films, Chu promised to give the characters and relationships more breathing room. That decision was controversial at first, but the strong reception to Wicked (part one) in 2024 prices that audiences were willing to follow the story at a slower pace. With Wicked 2 For Good, all the buildup now pays off in a finale designed to stick the landing.
Why Colman Domingo May Be the Best Choice
Adding Colman Domingo to the cast of Wicked 2 For Good is more than a cameo. The Cowardly Lion appeared briefly in the first movie as a cub rescued from an Oz experiment, but Domingo’s involvement suggests the sequel will expand on his role.
Known for his powerhouse performances in Euphoria, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and Rustin, Domingo brings gravitas and warmth to every role he undertakes. His voice work will give the Lion an expected mix of vulnerability and courage.
Director Jon M. Chu even admitted he personally pitched the part to Domingo via direct message, framing it as “not a tone of lines, but maybe you have a little time.” Domingo’s reply? “Why the heck not?” That playful exchange underscores how his casting elevates a supporting role into something more meaningful. Fans on social media cheered the news, with many calling it a perfect match for the character’s spirit.
A Cast Packed with Star Power
The sequel reunites the core cast of the first film, including Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Ariana Grande as Glinda, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, and Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible. Jeff Goldblum also returns as the Wizard, ensuring plenty of familiar faces in Oz. Adding Domingo to the mix gives Wicked 2 For Good another layer of excitement.
It’s not unusual for musicals to use celebrity casting as a draw, but this ensemble is notable for pairing household names with award-winning credibility. Between Erivo’s vocal power, Grande’s pop presence, and Domingo’s dramatic stardom, the film balances mainstream appeal with artistry.
What Fans Can Expect from Wicked 2 For Good
With production wrapped, attention is on how Wicked 2 For Good will complete the story. Viewers can expect a faithful adaptation of the second act of the Broadway show, which is famously heavier and more tragic than the first. The emotional climax between Glinda and Elphaba, the reveal of how the Wicked Witch’s reputation was twisted by propaganda, and the heart-tugging duet “For Good” are all expected to be centerpieces.
The Cowardly Lion’s expanded presence may be a smaller threat, but it’s a reminder that the Wicked films are designed to connect with the larger Wizard of Oz universe. Seeing Domingo step into that role will delight fans who love when adaptations build connective tissue to classic stories.