Two monumental changes have been unveiled for the story of Nessarose in Wicked: For Good, adjustments that aim to rectify a notable issue from the original musical. The second film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical will continue to trace the journeys of Nessarose (Marissa Bode), Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), Glinda (Ariana Grande-Butera), and other pivotal characters following the dramatic events of Wicked.
The initial casting of a disabled actor, Bode, has been met with a positive reception, igniting discussions about how disability representation will unfold in Wicked: For Good. In a pivotal moment in the second act of the stage musical, Nessarose walks thanks to Elphaba’s magic, a portrayal that has raised eyebrows among advocates for disability rights.
Composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz recently expressed in an interview with CBN (via BroadwayWorld) that Nessarose will not be depicted as walking in this new iteration. Schwartz, along with writer Winnie Holzman, has engaged with insights from the PWD (People with Disabilities) community to emphasize that they do not intend to convey that Nessarose’s life is “solved” merely by gaining the ability to walk. He articulates the importance of respectfully conveying her story:
“Winnie [Holzman] and I learned a few things from the PWD community. It was important to them that it was clear that their lives would not be ‘solved’ if they could just walk. And that was certainly never the message of the show, because Nessa’s life is not solved, quite the opposite. But we wanted to be respectful and still find a way to tell our story.”
Additionally, Schwartz reveals another significant alteration: the introduction of a character who harbors romantic feelings for Nessarose, a character whose affection she fails to acknowledge. This development aims to clarify that the crux of Nessarose’s struggles lies within her obsession with Boq (Ethan Slater) and not her disability. Schwartz explains:
“There’s even another guy in there who likes Nessa, but she can’t see him. I’m not sure if that’s still in the movie, because I haven’t seen the final cut. But either way, the point is that we wanted to make it clear that the problem is Nessa’s obsession with Boq, not the fact that she’s in a wheelchair, which is what leads to the events that unfold.â€Â
Redefining Nessarose’s Narrative
A Major Story Problem Has Been Fixed
The changes that Schwartz describes promise to enhance Nessarose’s portrayal in Wicked: For Good, addressing a long-standing narrative issue: the problematic depiction of her walking through magical means. This portrayal not only undermines authentic representation but reinforces harmful stereotypes surrounding disability.
By removing the element of magically walking, the story can develop a more intricate character arc for Nessarose. Schwartz and Holzman’s willingness to adapt demonstrates a commitment to listening to their audience and creating representation that is neither simplistic nor misleading.
While it remains uncertain whether the new romantic interest will find a place in the final cut, his potential presence underscores that Nessarose’s challenges stem from personal obsessions rather than her physical limitations. This shift holds the promise for a more profound exploration of her character.
Anticipating Controversy Yet Celebrating Progress
As excitement builds for Wicked: For Good, it seems the reception to these changes will be mixed. Many may celebrate the strides toward improved representation, while others could critique the alterations from the beloved source material. The first change, however, marks a necessary evolution.
Making Nessarose’s narrative less ableist is a significant advance that has been a long time coming. It’s refreshing to see Schwartz and Holzman commit to this change, choosing to prioritize authenticity over rigid adherence to previous interpretations. This moment is one that resonates with audiences and signifies a shift toward better representation in the arts.
While the addition of a new love interest for Nessarose feels less essential, it’s a change I’m open to seeing unfold, should it survive the cutting room floor. Nevertheless, the major modification concerning her character aligns with a broader dialogue on inclusion and deserves applause as anticipation heightens for Wicked: For Good.
Sources: CBN (via BroadwayWorld)