The much-anticipated Cowardly Lion makes a notable entrance in the Wicked: For Good trailer, but audiences were already given a taste of this iconic character’s essence in the first installment of the film series.
Introduced first in The Wizard of Oz, the Cowardly Lion was immortalized by the unforgettable performance of Bert Lahr in the legendary 1939 classic. He famously encounters Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland) while traversing the illustrious yellow brick road, joining forces with the already assembled Scarecrow and Tin Man on a quest to meet the Wizard.
The narrative of Wicked serves as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, exploring the origins of significant characters such as Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda (the Good Witch), all before Dorothy makes her fateful arrival in Oz.
Interestingly, Dorothy and her companions make a fleeting appearance in the original Wicked film. In the recently released trailer for its sequel, unveiled in September 2025, viewers catch glimpses of the characters as they venture towards the Wizard in search of a way to return Dorothy to her home in Kansas.
For an insightful exploration of the Cowardly Lion’s journey in Wicked: For Good, continue reading:
Caution: Spoilers ahead for Wicked: For Good.
Who Is the Cowardly Lion?
Jack Haley, Ray Bolger, Judy Garland, Bert Lahr Everett Collection
When the Cowardly Lion first encounters Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, his instinct is to pounce. Yet after a heartfelt conversation, he reveals his true nature—one of fear masked by bravado. It is Dorothy’s kindness that convinces him to join her quest for the Wizard’s wisdom and courage.
What Was the Cowardly Lion’s Introduction in the Initial ‘Wicked’ Film?
In the original Wicked film, audiences are introduced to a young lion cub kept in captivity. Elphaba, displaying her empathetic side, argues against the injustice of the cub’s imprisonment. When the classroom mysteriously falls under a slumber spell, Elphaba and Fiyero seize the moment, liberating the cub and returning him to the wild—setting the stage for him to grow into the Cowardly Lion we know.
What Lies Behind the Cowardly Lion’s Fear?
It is subtly suggested that the Cowardly Lion’s anxiety stems from his traumatic past, particularly the confinement he experienced as a cub in captivity, shaping his identity as a fearful creature.
What Role Does the Cowardly Lion Play in ‘Wicked: For Good’?
In the Wicked: For Good trailer, the Cowardly Lion is depicted as a fully grown creature, visibly terrified as he navigates the forest. He notably stands alongside Dorothy during their encounter with the Wizard.
Does the Cowardly Lion Have More Depth in the ‘Wicked’ Books?
Within the Wicked book series authored by Gregory Maguire, the Cowardly Lion reveals a deeper narrative, as he is known as Brrr, a character whose separation from his family during his cubhood shapes his journey.
