Big Hollywood star in the sequel to Zlica

Director John M. Chu has announced that a surprise Hollywood star will play the role of the timid Lion in the sequel to the musical "Villain".

The sequel to last year's film hits theaters on November 21 and follows Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) after the events of the first film, as they embrace their identities as the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Glinda.

Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum will reprise their roles, and Chu revealed that the voice of the Cowardly Lion will be provided by a well-known actor.

The film is an adaptation of the second act of the 2003 musical by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holman, and covers the events before and after Dorothy's arrival from Kansas to the Land of Oz. The story also features the Tin Woodman, the Scarecrow, and the Lion.

In an interview with Deadline, Chu described how he contacted the mysterious star via Instagram:

“And I said, ‘There aren’t many lines, maybe you have a little time. I know you’re busy, I’ll come to you.’ He said, ‘Why not, let’s go!’ And then we recorded the lines,” Chu said.

"Man, wait for the red carpet when the actor who voiced the Cowardly Lion steps on it. It's going to be crazy," he added.

The name has not yet been revealed, but fans are speculating that it could be Lin-Manuel Miranda, while Jack Black and J. K. Simmons have also been mentioned.

The trailer premiered at CinemaCon in April and received praise from attendees.