From Oscars to Oz: Colman Domingo Officially Roars Into Wicked: For Good

Oscar-nominated actor Colman Domingo is stepping into a legendary role in Wicked: For Good, officially revealed as the voice of the Cowardly Lion in the highly anticipated sequel. The news was confirmed on October 20, 2025, when Domingo posted a playful video on Instagram with the caption “See you in Oz!” — sending fans into a frenzy over the perfect casting.

The announcement ends months of speculation about who would voice the grown-up version of the lion cub saved by Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) in the first film. Domingo’s casting marks one of the final major character reveals ahead of the film’s theatrical release on November 21, 2025.

Colman Domingo Joins Wicked: For Good as the Cowardly Lion

Director Jon M. Chu confirmed that Domingo was approached directly via social media during reshoots earlier this year. “It’s not a ton of lines, but I asked if he had a little time. He said, ‘Why the f— not, let’s go!’” Chu told Deadline. The collaboration came together quickly, with Domingo recording his lines soon after.

Domingo’s reveal was teased for weeks, with Chu hinting that a “major star” had been cast as the beloved character. In the first film, the Cowardly Lion appeared briefly as a cub rescued from a plot to domesticate talking animals in Oz. His adult return will see him join Dorothy, the Tin Man, and the Scarecrow in a pivotal mission — bringing Elphaba’s broom to the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) as proof of her supposed death.

The reveal video, featuring a Squishmallow plush of the Cowardly Lion and Domingo’s signature voice, built massive buzz online. Fans praised the casting as “perfect,” highlighting Domingo’s rich voice and commanding presence as ideal for the character. Many also noted that his involvement brings additional prestige to a film already stacked with star power, including Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and Jonathan Bailey.

Wicked: For Good adapts the second act of the Broadway hit, diving deeper into the aftermath of the choices made in the first film. As Chu explained, “If Part 1 is about choices, Part 2 is about consequences. Sometimes the results aren’t what you expect — it can be lonely, it can be hard.”

What Colman Domingo’s Casting Means for Wicked’s Future

Domingo’s addition signals a deepening of the film’s character-driven storytelling. The Cowardly Lion is more than comic relief — he symbolizes courage and transformation, themes central to Wicked’s narrative. By bringing a seasoned actor like Domingo into the role, Universal is clearly aiming to elevate the emotional depth of the story’s second half.

The decision also underscores how Wicked: For Good is expanding its universe. With Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and now the Cowardly Lion stepping into more prominent roles, the film is bridging the gap between Gregory Maguire’s reimagined Oz and the classic 1939 story. It positions the franchise to resonate not only with musical theater fans but also with a broader global audience.

For Domingo, this marks another milestone in a career defined by versatility and critical acclaim. Known for his work in Rustin, Fear the Walking Dead, and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, the role of the Cowardly Lion lets him bring gravitas and heart to a character beloved by generations. As anticipation builds, fans are already speculating about how Domingo’s portrayal might redefine the character for a new era.

Colman Domingo’s Cowardly Lion makes his roar heard when Wicked: For Good arrives in theaters on November 21, 2025 — a date that could mark one of the most emotional and visually spectacular chapters in Oz’s cinematic history.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who is Colman Domingo playing in Wicked: For Good?

Colman Domingo voices the adult Cowardly Lion in Wicked: For Good, a key character returning after a brief appearance as a cub in the first film.

Q2: When is Wicked: For Good releasing?

The film is set to premiere in theaters on November 21, 2025, as the second installment of the two-part adaptation of the Broadway musical.

Q3: What is Wicked: For Good about?

The sequel explores the consequences of the choices made in the first film, following Elphaba, Glinda, and new characters like Dorothy and the Cowardly Lion.

Q4: How was Colman Domingo’s casting revealed?

Domingo announced his role in an Instagram video featuring a Cowardly Lion plush toy, ending weeks of speculation about the character’s voice actor.

Q5: Who else stars in Wicked: For Good?

The film stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Ariana Grande as Glinda, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard.