Oscar-nominated powerhouse Colman Domingo is heading down the Yellow Brick Road. In a delightful casting announcement that has sent fans into a frenzy, the acclaimed actor has been tapped to voice the Cowardly Lion in Universal’s highly anticipated “Wicked: For Good,” arriving in theaters November 21.
A Playful Reveal That Had Fans Roaring
The announcement came Monday via the official “Wicked” Instagram account in characteristically charming fashion. Domingo appeared on camera hiding behind a lion stuffed animal before dramatically revealing himself with a grin and the promise: “See you in Oz!”
The casting confirms what director Jon M. Chu had been teasing to eager fans in recent weeks. “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 said, building anticipation for the reveal. With Domingo’s star power and emotional depth as a performer, it’s safe to say the director wasn’t overselling.
From Rescued Cub to Resentful Lion
For those who saw “Wicked” in theaters last year, the Cowardly Lion’s origin story provided one of the film’s most touching moments. The character first appeared as a frightened cub that Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) heroically rescue from a classroom cage. After Dr. Dillamond is taken away, a new professor brings the imprisoned cub to demonstrate how captivity prevents animals from learning to speak—a cruel lesson that ignites Elphaba’s righteous fury and magical powers, allowing her and Fiyero to whisk the cub to freedom in the forest.
“Wicked: For Good” picks up this thread with the cub now fully grown into the iconic Cowardly Lion—but with a complicated twist. Rather than gratitude, the Lion harbors resentment toward Elphaba, blaming her for his circumstances in ways that will undoubtedly add emotional complexity to the story.
Where Two Legends Intersect
One of the most exciting elements of “Wicked: For Good” is how it weaves together with the classic 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz.” As the sequel’s timeline overlaps with Dorothy’s journey, audiences will see the Cowardly Lion in his familiar role—traveling the Yellow Brick Road alongside Dorothy, the Tin Man, and the Scarecrow as they seek an audience with the Wizard (played by Jeff Goldblum in “Wicked”).
The Lion also appears during the dramatic “March of the Witchhunters” musical number, though faithful Broadway fans should note that, as in the stage production, the character’s role remains relatively limited. This makes Domingo’s casting all the more inspired—an actor of his caliber can make every moment count, imbuing even brief appearances with gravitas and heart.
A Lion-Sized Talent
Domingo brings serious acting chops to Oz. Fresh off his Oscar nomination for “Rustin,” where he portrayed civil rights leader Bayard Rustin with stunning nuance, Domingo has established himself as one of the industry’s most versatile and compelling performers. From his breakout role in “If Beale Street Could Talk” to his haunting work in “Euphoria” and “The Color Purple,” Domingo consistently delivers performances that resonate long after the credits roll.
His voice work promises to add layers of vulnerability, anger, and ultimately courage to a character beloved by generations. The Cowardly Lion has always been more than comic relief—he’s a study in overcoming fear and finding inner strength, themes that align perfectly with Domingo’s ability to convey deep emotional truth.
The Cast Returns to Oz
“Wicked: For Good” reunites the stellar cast that made the first film a cultural phenomenon. Cynthia Erivo returns as Elphaba Thropp, with Ariana Grande reprising her role as Glinda Upland. The sequel will also see Jonathan Bailey back as Prince Fiyero, Michelle Yeoh as the formidable Madame Morrible, Marissa Bode as Nessarose Thropp, Ethan Slater as Boq Woodsman, and Bowen Yang and Bronwyn James as the gossipy duo Pfannee and ShenShen.
What’s in Store for Act Two
The sequel adapts the musical’s second act, diving deeper into the fracturing friendship between Elphaba and Glinda as they fully embrace their destinies as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch of the North, respectively. Their choices and the consequences that follow will reshape Oz forever—a transformation that promises high emotional stakes, spectacular musical numbers, and the kind of show-stopping performances that made the first film unmissable.
With Chu at the helm and a cast that blends Broadway royalty with Hollywood heavyweights, “Wicked: For Good” is poised to deliver the kind of cinematic magic that only comes from perfect casting, passionate filmmaking, and stories that remind us why we fell in love with Oz in the first place.
The Courage to Take the Role
Colman Domingo voicing the Cowardly Lion feels like one of those casting decisions that’s both surprising and inevitable. It’s unexpected enough to generate excitement, yet so right that it’s hard to imagine anyone else in the role. As the Lion himself might say, it takes courage to follow up a cultural phenomenon—but with talent like Domingo’s, there’s nothing to fear.
