Actor Colman Domingo has been cast as the voice of the Cowardly Lion in the upcoming film Wicked: For Good, the sequel to the 2024 hit adaptation of the Broadway musical. The announcement was made publicly via a joint social-media post from the film and the actor on Oct. 20.
Surprise Casting and Fan Reactions
In the reveal video, Domingo is seen holding a plush lion before dropping the toy to reveal his smiling face and delivering the line, “See you in Oz.” Director Jon M. Chu told Deadline that he contacted Domingo via Instagram with a casual message: “I was like, ‘It’s not a ton of lines, but maybe you have a little time. I know you’re busy. I’ll come to you,’” Chu recalled. “He was like, ‘Why the f— not, let’s go!’”
Fans responded enthusiastically. Some comments celebrated Domingo’s casting as inspired, while a number of fans voiced relief that another previously speculated actor was not selected.
Wicked: For Good resumes the story of Elphaba (played again by Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (played by Ariana Grande) as their journeys diverge across the land of Oz. The Cowardly Lion, introduced as a rescued cub in the first film, returns in this chapter as an adult character. Chu described the sequel as focusing less on choices and more on consequences, saying: “If Part 1 is about choices, Part 2 is about consequences.”
Domingo’s role is brief but pivotal, lending his voice to a beloved character in this fantasy-musical world. According to reports, the lines are limited but the character’s presence is meaningful.
The film is scheduled to be released in U.S. theaters on Nov. 21, 2025.