2024's Wicked may be one of the top movies of 2024, but its origins are far older, with the publication of Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. In 2003, the book was adapted for the stage and became an instant hit on Broadway. Now, the beloved story of the Wizard of Oz's green-skinned witch is a Hollywood blockbuster.
Although Wicked showcases many The Wizard of Oz, the first film has no shortage of new and interesting characters. More than just having distinct looks and personalities, each of these characters has an incredible amount of depth that the 1939 movie could not provide. For example, Elphaba does not start out as the Wicked Witch that audiences know and fear, but instead, puts on display her young, comionate, and opinionated side. However, there is one character that is an especially intriguing addition to the 2024 movie, especially because she is often overlooked.
Elphaba's Nanny Bear From The Wicked Book Is Included In The Movie
Why Nanny Bear Is Important To Wicked
One surprising addition to Wicked's cast is Nanny Bear. Also known as Dulcibear, this anthropomorphic bear acts as Elphaba and Nessarose's nanny. Nanny Bear appears very briefly in the Wicked movie when audiences are shown a flashback to Elphaba's birth. Although Elphaba's parents are horrified by her green skin, Nanny Bear immediately accepts her and shows her the love that she deserves. Nanny Bear is easily forgotten among the more bombastic characters in Wicked, but as it turns out, she is incredibly important to Elphaba's story.
Why Animals Are Disappearing & Forgetting How To Speak In Wicked
Wicked: Part 1 sees Elphaba learn the harsh truth about why the animals are disappearing and forgetting how to speak, changing how she sees the world.
The role of Nanny Bear is one that is integral to Elphaba's upbringing and her beliefs in Wicked. Because Elphaba lost her mother at such a young age, Nanny Bear was really the only adult figure who cared for Elphaba. While her father scorned her and children made fun of her, Elphaba found solace in the loving arms of Nanny Bear. Wicked doesn't necessarily emphasize this fact, but it is made clear in Maguire's 1995 novel. Nanny Bear's love and is what leads Elphaba to protect the animals of Oz, because they have always shown her kindness.
Why Wicked's Broadway Musical Left Out Nanny Bear
What The Wicked Movie Gains From Adding Nanny Bear
Nanny Bear may play an important role to Elphaba, but she isn't exactly monumental in the grand scheme of the Wicked story, which is why she was cut from the Wicked musical. Unlike 2024's Wicked, the stage musical doesn't show Nanny Bear at all, opting to gloss over Elphaba's past in favor of her present at Shiz. To some, this may seem like an unfortunate oversight, but considering the format, it makes sense. Musicals only have so much time to tell a story, and the backstory isn't nearly as important as the subject at hand. Thus, Nanny Bear isn't necessary.
Regardless, the Wicked movie benefited from adding Nanny Bear to the cast. Although the movie could have followed in the musical's footsteps and left Nanny Bear out, the project had much more time to dive into Elphaba's past. Therefore, the movie spent time showing audiences how Elphaba was cast out, and how Nanny Bear was there for her. This is an important addition because it tells viewers straight away that this world has talking animals who are considered lower-class citizens. Furthermore, it establishes Elphaba's own relationship with Oz's animals, which is pivotal later in the film.
Will Nanny Bear Return In Wicked: For Good?
Why Nanny Bear Should Appear In Wicked 2
There is a chance that Nanny Bear's story will continue in Wicked: For Good. In the second half of the stage musical, Elphaba returns home to check in on Nessarose, who is now the Governor of Munchkinland. It would not be surprising if Nanny Bear was still living with the Thropps, and perhaps even caring for Nessarose. In this way, Nanny Bear could act as an ally to Elphaba, or conversely, she could fear the woman who is now considered to be a wicked witch. Either way, Wicked: For Good has a clear opportunity to bring back the character.
Arguably, it would be a good thing for Nanny Bear to come back in the second part of Wicked.
Arguably, it would be a good thing for Nanny Bear to come back in the second part of Wicked. The first movie clearly included her for a reason, so it doesn't make sense for her to only appear in a single flashback. If anything, that flashback sets up her return in the present day, as Elphaba transforms from promising Shiz student to wicked witch. Nanny Bear can take on the role she knows best: caring motherly figure and understanding animal. Ultimately, Wicked audiences should expect another does of the overshadowed Nanny Bear.
Wicked
- Release Date
- November 22, 2024
- Runtime
- 160 Minutes
- Director
- Jon M. Chu
Cast
Cynthia ErivoElphaba Thropp
Glinda Upland
WHERE TO WATCH
Wicked adapts the Broadway musical into a two-part film, following the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, born with green skin, and Glinda, a popular aristocrat, in the Land of Oz. As they navigate their contrasting paths, they evolve into Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
- Writers
- Gregory Maguire, Winnie Holzman, Dana Fox, L. Frank Baum
- Main Genre
- Musical
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