Who is Andreas Wijk, the handsome actor voicing the Cowardly Lion in Wicked: For Good’s Swedish dub?
"Wicked’s story that everyone deserves to be treated as equals is more relevant than ever today," says Wijk
By Aaron Sugg
In light of the release of Wicked: For Good, screening in cinemas around the world, actor Andreas Wijk has been revealed as the voice of the Cowardly Lion in the film’s Swedish dub.
Following his Broadway debut in Moulin Rouge!, Wijk was cast for the Wicked sequel, sharing on social media his journey from signing NDAs and not knowing which character he would play, to finally hearing his voice in cinemas.
The 32-year-old gay actor’s casting was particularly significant because the Swedish voice of Glinda, played by Ariana Grande, is a childhood friend, Dominique Pålsson Wiklund, whom he once performed alongside.
“So thankful to be part of a story that truly matters” – Andreas Wijk on Wicked: For Good
Taking to Instagram at the Swedish premiere on 13 November, the pair were seen together. Overjoyed Wijk wrote: “I can’t believe I get to be a small part of the Oz universe. Let me introduce the Swedish voices of Glinda and the Cowardly Lion.”
He added: “It’s unreal that after 20 years, Wicked’s story that everyone deserves to be treated as equals is more relevant than ever today. So thankful to be part of a story that truly matters.”
The actor documented his journey from filming and recording to achieving national stardom, sharing the experience on social media.
“This is history. A once-in-a-lifetime chance to be part of something truly legendary” – Wijk revealing his role in the Wicked Sequel
“No title. No character info. Nothing,” his story began. With only a signed NDA and a wicked dream, he continued: “I walked into the studio completely blind, no clue what film I was about to lend my voice to, or who I was supposed to become.”
He gushed: “This is history. A once-in-a-lifetime chance to be part of something truly legendary. Beyond grateful for this opportunity.”
His talent goes beyond on-screen recognition. In 2018, he released his debut album Season 1 independently, and in 2020 he released his first single signed to a label, called Somebody to Love.
He has a large social media presence as a male model and content creator, where he shares fashion, career, and life content, notably including an intimate moment with his parents in 2022.
His coming-out single, ‘If I Was Gay’, released in 2022, played in the background as he sat in his car with his mother and father. “It’s scary to be transparent,” he wrote in the caption. With nearly 250,000 likes, it remains one of his most viewed videos. He came out to his parents when he was 15.
“I’ve felt so alone in my journey for my entire life” – Wijk releasing his coming out single ‘If I was gay’
Similarly to Cat Burns‘s ‘Free’, ‘If I was gay’ reflects on Wijk upbringing as a closeted child and his fears of being open and honest about his sexuality. Speaking exclusively to Attitude in 2022, he said: “I’ve felt so alone in my journey for my entire life. The love I’ve felt for the past two weeks is bigger than any love I’ve received before.”
In the English version, the Cowardly Lion is voiced by Colman Domingo, another queer actor. In a wholesome announcement video, Domingo hides behind a lion teddy before revealing himself. “See you in Oz!” he said.
Wicked: For Good had a groundbreaking blockbuster opening weekend (21 November), raking in $226 million worldwide, marking the largest grossing debut ever for a Broadway musical film adaptation.
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