We’re now just a few months away from one of2025’s most anticipated films,Wicked: For Good. Theconcluding follow-upto last year’sWicked: Part One, the picture will adapt thestage musical’s second act, and explore the consequences of Elphaba’s (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda’s (Ariana Grande) choices following their parting at the end of the first film. However, while the first moviewas largely faithful to the musical’s first act, the sequel is already set to make a number of changes to the material. The internet is certainly abuzz with theories regarding theadaptation’s plot shifts, andcomposer Stephen Schwartz has already given us a hint at one massive change coming to the piece, in the way of Nessarose’s arc.
What Happens to Nessa in Act Two of ‘Wicked’?
As far as the stage show is concerned,Wickedfollows aninteresting structure.While the events of the first act utilize the main cast as an ensemble, much in the same way the movie did, Act Two is almost more of aretelling ofThe Wizard of Oz, and, as such, many of the supporting characters become plot devices to move Glinda and Elphaba’s story along. This certainly happens with Nessarose (Marissa Bode), who only appears in a single scene in the concluding half.
‘Wicked: For Good’ Needs To Make a Major Change to the Show’s Storyline — And Here’s Why
One could say this movie will even change the canon ‘For Good.’
As she does inWicked: Part One, Nessa dons silver shoes, not unlike those inL. Frank Baum’s original book. But when Elphaba pays her an unwanted visit, Nessa confronts her sister about using her powers to help animals but not her.Elphaba casts a spell thatturns her shoes into the famous ruby slippers, and grants her the ability to walk. When the show first openedmore than 20 years ago, many felt that the arc was an interesting way to incorporate the full Oz lore. However, as time has gone on, it’s hard to ignore that this story has ableist content.Wicked: For Goodis looking to correct this.
‘Wicked: For Good’ Will Change Nessa’s Story
WhileWickedremains one of Broadway’s greatest shows of all time, it’s truly a good move by the film to changeNessa’s arc. The show’s song “Wicked Witch of the East” has Nessa express the misery she feels regarding her situation, but it seems that this might not be the case in the movie. When speaking withThe Hollywood Reporterlast April, Nessarose herself, Marissa Bode, hinted that some major changes were coming for the character, saying, “they made some changes […] I cannot say what those are just yet, butthey did make those changes so that the magic withinWickedis still there, but the narrative is less harmful to disabled people.”Wicked’s composer, Stephen Schwartz, finally gave us a hint at what to expect. In an interview withCBN, Schwartz revealedthat he and writer,Winnie Holzman, have sought to make a more nuanced tale.
How in the Name of Oz Does ‘Wicked’s Nessarose Become the Wicked Witch of the East?
Nessarose is one of the sweetest characters in Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s ‘Wicked.’
“Winnie [Holzman] and I learned a few things from the PWD community,” said Schwartz. “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.” To remedy this, Schwartz revealed that Nessarose won’t walk in the second film. While he, of course, kept many details of the new way the scene will play out a secret, it’s a fascinating and justified change. Nessa is by far one ofWicked’s most interesting characters, and it only seems right that she should be a more nuanced reflection of people with disabilities.The idea that so much of what turns her into the Wicked Witch of the East comes from her disability was never a proper representation and has only become more jarring with time. Additionally, this allows Nessa the opportunity to become a more involved character with new motivations, rather than just a catalyst. Sure, she still has to meet her tragicWizard of Oz end, but her abilities should have nothing to do with it. With Marissa Bode’s seal of approval attached, we’re excited to see whatWicked: For Goodhas planned for the character when the movie hits theaters this November.
Wickedis available to stream on Peacock in the U.S.
