The much-anticipated Wicked movie brings a historic moment for disability representation.
The film adaptation – based on the beloved musical – features actress Marissa Bode as Nessarose who is paralyzed.
Her character is in a wheelchair due to complications with her birth. The film explores the relationship between Nessarose and her sister Elphaba as they both deal with being labeled as “different” by their peers.
Bode, who is the first wheelchair user to play Nessarose, views her role as a platform for advocacy.
“Representation is just the very tip of the iceberg when it comes to disability rights and the disability movement as a whole,” she says.
Director Jon M. Chu is also committed to creating an inclusive environment both on and off the screen. He explains, “You need accessibility, not just when we’re on set behind the scenes, but you need to present accessibility in Oz itself.”
This focus on accessibility is a critical step toward creating a more accepting industry.
Released on November 22, Wicked promises not only to entertain but also to educate audiences about the importance of inclusivity.
