Representation and Change in "Wicked: For Good"

The film "Wicked: For Good," a sequel to the 2024 adaptation of the stage musical "Wicked," has sparked discussions regarding its portrayal of disability, particularly through the character of Nessarose, played by Marissa Bode. The film aims to address ableism present in the original stage version while navigating the complexities of Nessa's character as she evolves from a tragic figure to a more nuanced portrayal.

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In the original stage play, Nessa's character arc is steeped in ableist tropes, particularly the "magic cure" narrative where her disability is seen as something to be fixed. The 2024 film adaptation attempted to combat this by incorporating more inclusive elements, such as integrating ramps into the set design and addressing the problematic portrayal of Nessa's disability. The sequel, "Wicked: For Good," was anticipated to further this evolution, especially given the casting of Bode, a wheelchair user, as Nessa.

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In "Wicked: For Good," Nessa's request for a magical cure is replaced with a desire for her sister Elphaba to use her powers to help her float rather than walk. This change is seen as a step away from the harmful narrative that suggests all disabled individuals wish to be "fixed." However, while this adjustment is noted as less harmful, it does not significantly alter the core of Nessa's character, who remains entangled in themes of loss and resentment towards her sister.

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Despite the changes made, critics argue that Nessa's storyline still perpetuates stereotypes associated with disabled women. Her character is portrayed as villainous, primarily due to her unrequited love for Boq, played by Ethan Slater, and her subsequent actions to control Munchkinland. Critics highlight that Nessa's arc lacks depth, reducing her to a "bitter cripple" trope, where her character is defined by anger and sadness rather than agency or positive contributions as a leader.

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Marissa Bode has expressed that the changes made in "Wicked: For Good" aim to be "less harmful to disabled people." However, the film's overall portrayal of Nessa has been met with mixed reactions, with some praising the removal of the ableist walking plotline while others lament the persistence of negative stereotypes. The film's approach to Nessa's character has sparked broader discussions about representation and the need for more nuanced portrayals of disabled individuals in media.

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• “It is less harmful, but it’s not setting the world of disability discourse on fire.” — Marissa Bode, Actress

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• “So while Nessa isn’t rejected because of her disability, her journey still feels like a stereotypical disabled-woman arc.” — Critic

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• “Marissa Bode’s acting gives more life to the character, but there’s little more to Nessa than existed at the beginning.” — Entertainment Journalist

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The discussions surrounding "Wicked: For Good" highlight the ongoing challenges in accurately representing disabled characters in film. As audiences continue to demand more authentic portrayals, future adaptations may need to consider deeper character development and avoid relying on harmful stereotypes. The film serves as a reminder of the importance of representation and the complexities involved in adapting narratives for contemporary audiences.

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