Disability Advocate Praises "Wicked" Film's Empowering Nessarose Transformation

In a recent interview, actress Marissa Bode, who stars as Nessarose Thropp in the upcoming "Wicked" film adaptation, expressed her enthusiasm for the changes made to her character. Bode, who is also a disability advocate, revealed that the decision to have Nessarose gain the ability to fly, rather than just use a wheelchair as in the original Broadway production, was a welcome shift.

"I am so happy with the change, the old narrative was outdated," Bode told Go Mag. "And I'll be honest, it was really fun to fly through the air on set." The actress went on to explain that the modification aligns better with the musical's core themes, quoting one of Elphaba's famous lines: "Everyone deserves a chance to fly."

The change was made by "Wicked" writer Winnie Holzman, who Bode said consulted with the disabled community to inform the decision. Fans can expect additional updates in the film, including new original songs such as "Girl in the Bubble" and "No Place Like Home."

Directed by Jon M. Chu, the "Wicked" movie will also star Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum.