did we actually find good disability representation?? disabled people review WICKED movie

[@juliacheneyillustration3928]

I also thought it was neat how Dr.Dilamand's props were made in mind that he has hooves instead of hands. They put a lot of work into the sets and worldbuilding and it's awesome to hear that it was so accessible for the wheelchair users on set!

[@alltookendall]

What a neat detail! They really made everything so accessible and that’s so amazing.

[@Dreamingeye1]

Im not a wheelchair user but one of my favorite moments was when boc says lets dance he grabs Nessa's hands instead of her chair like he does in the broadway version. Its a small detail that I didn't expect them to fix but it made me really happy

[@alltookendall]

What a sweet detail!! They did such a good job with this movie ❤️

[@cowsonzambonis6]

I heard that the director worked closely with Marissa to make sure she had all the accessibility she needed, and it’s so cool to hear the details you noticed!

[@alltookendall]

I love that!! You can really tell they took the time to listen to her!

[@mariatorres-by6du]

Another change is when Elphaba is writting the letter, in the musical she just writes: "of course I'll care for Nessa" but in the movie she starts writting something like: "I know how important is for Nessa..." but then scrapes it and writes the original line, she knows that Nessa wants to be independent but also that her dad would not be able to understand that, and so she plays into the "caretaker role" in the letter despite not being her intetion like in the musical.

[@alltookendall]

I love that!!

[@Justtorithings]

Thanks for pointing that out!

[@elio22222]

I loved this! I've been rewatching a lot and I just noticed two students signing in the Shiz library, too!

[@alltookendall]

Oh my gosh that’s AWESOME!!

[@elio22222]

@alltookendall it was just for a millisecond in the bottom of the frame, but my wife is hard of hearing and we are learning ASL so I noticed it!

[@Justtorithings]

That's amazing! Thanks for pointing that out!!

[@emmastraub6842]

I love how all she wants is to be independent and I’m so happy that the actress worked with the writers so every scene was authentic.

[@alltookendall]

It was so awesome. Marissa Bode is the coolest!

[@jijitters]

I spotted the ramp, but you two noticed so many further details I didn't, and I am so happy to have them pointed out. Nessa's inclusion was so natural, that audiences often didn't even realize anything was different, which is admirable. Lovely video! You have earned a new subscriber :D

[@alltookendall]

Thanks for following our channel!!

[@Justtorithings]

Thanks for watching! It's so neat how inclusive the whole production was!

[@Alexandria-ye2by]

Having a disability myself I'd like it to be normalised when a disabled person says they'd like not to be disabled anymore. No, it's not because I hate myself or because I want to "please society". It's because I would like things to be easier for me, because I would like to experience things that are out of my reach right now. Whenever I say this there is always someone telling me "there is nothing wrong with you, you can be happy just as you are" but at the same time I know they wouldn't want to be in my place...

[@Freaky0Nina]

I just think we need to normalize both. There is such a wide spectrum of disabilities, and also different ways to define disability. I for example would love to not be disabled anymore. But i'd hate to be "healed" because that would just be akin to lobotomy but "successful" in my case. I guess society tends to always prioritize one narrative. And that one narrative isn't necessarily wrong, but all the others are left out. you are totally valid in what you personally wish for and we should all stop berating people for what they personal want for themselves. There simply is no 'one size fits all' when it comes to how we approach disability.

[@annaliesecancilla894]

“You should love yourself just the way you are 😌🥰” yeah well yesterday you told me you wished you had wings 😂

[@Justtorithings]

@@Freaky0Nina I totally agree with the points you are making! It's such a nuanced conversation and I feel like my personal viewpoint changes every other day. For sure, there are days that it feels really difficult to be disabled but I also can look at my life and see how positively it has affected my outlook on life and even just the opportunities I have been given in life. Kendall and I have talked about this at great length and we were just happy to see that the narrative portrayed in this movie was that she was not upset about her disability since that is the one point of view the general public sees in the media. Thank you for watching!

[@alexbennet4195]

@@Freaky0Nina…what?

[@flaggerify]

The actress who played her was charming. No one can say she got the part simply for being disabled.

[@alltookendall]

True! She was perfect for the role!!

[@Justtorithings]

Yes! She is a phenomenal actress!

[@Emileigggggh]

I really hope that Part 2 takes its time fleshing out the story, because it feels super rushed in the stage version. So excited how they hired an actually disabled actress, and I love Marissa Bode's performance. This is really good commentary!

[@alltookendall]

I hope they take the time too!! I’m really excited to see how they do it but I hope it’s as good as I’m hoping!

[@Thepopcornator]

As someone who does not have a physical disability but who loves the movie and advocates for better representation of marginalized groups in the media, I really appreciated your insights here! Thank you for making this video!

[@alltookendall]

Thanks for taking the time to watch it!

[@arivontrapp]

7:07 I'm a wheelchair user (I have moderate CP) and I showed that scene to my mom like 'I want to do this!' and she was like 'heck no!'😂

[@alltookendall]

lol Tori told me the same thing 😂

[@QueerArtistInTheCorner]

I love the disability representation in the movie. All of it means so much to me Y’all don’t talk about it but honestly I could go on about how Elphaba is good disability rep as well even if not stated. I just say this as a person with alopecia the whole knowing that people are just going to randomly ask you personal questions and the slow acceptance to “this is me and I’m ok with that.” Is definitely something that speaks to me

[@alltookendall]

Yes!!! I Iove that!!

[@ceceliam9014]

Great video! I don't have a physical disability, but I just graduated an Occupational Therapist Assistant program, so I was able to follow the terminology you were using at least, lol. I had noticed the movie's casting of wheelchair users (I actually specifically checked that, because I really hoped they'd taken that route!). It's so nice to hear all the details I missed and about the accessibility behind the scenes and on red carpets for the film as well! Thank you!

[@Justtorithings]

Thanks for watching!

[@timotheedrakEE]

her dance scene was everythinggg

[@alltookendall]

It was AMAZING

[@matthewlucas4990]

Maybe theyll use people in green screen suits to move Nessa in "magical" ways. In the broadway show she just sort of stumbles around when she walks for the first time... but with movie magic, they could have her legs do all sorts of choreo or something.. Maybe they move independently of her body in exagerated ways.

[@Justtorithings]

That would be an interesting way to do it for sure. I know Marissa Bode was involved in the writing of Nessa's character arc in the second movie so I am not too sure we will see her walk but I am sure whatever will end up amazing!

[@alltookendall]

It will definitely be interesting to see how they do it! Can’t wait for the next movie!

[@amethystimagination3332]

I was thinking they might have her in like some kind of practical effects like how they use a harness to make Cynthia fly

[@4dultw1thj0b]

You know, one idea/prediction I've got is that in Part 2 they'll have Nessarose not actually ask Elphaba to cure her disability but rather it'll be just something that Elphaba decides as an attempt at saving their soured relationship, and then when Nessa does walk it's not shown as this unambiguously amazing thing for her and after Boq tries to leave her she becomes angry at Elphaba for always assuming she knows what's best. (Maybe there's even a charged comparison to the transformation of the flying monkeys!) As for the visual effect itself, I imagine they'd use a body double to some extent but maybe Marissa could wear some kind of rigged harness to assist her, though I don't know if that would practically work.

[@alltookendall]

I hope they don’t do a visual effect of her walking! I’d really love for her to stay in her chair but it will be super interesting to see how the movie handles it ❤️

[@4dultw1thj0b]

@@alltookendall I mean, I don't really see how they could cut that plot point completely given how important the shoes end up being. I get the feeling they're gearing more toward tweaking the text rather than drastically overhauling it. But hopefully whatever they pull is ultimately satisfying.

[@emilyrln]

It was great to hear your perspectives and find out all the accessibility details I missed as an able-bodied person! I was so happy when I learned that the cast wheelchair users for Nessarose (my goodness young Nessa is SOOOO cute!!) and I hope we'll see some positive changes in the stage show, even if it's just in better choreo for Nessa with an able-bodied actor due to practical limitations of the role needing her to walk (it'd sure be great if they could make something work for a disabled actor, though!).

[@Justtorithings]

Thanks for watching!

[@kardez671]

9:19 talk about spoilers! Jk. also. It’s said that her arc in part 2 is newly written by Marissa Bode

[@alltookendall]

I’m so excited to see what Marissa Bode wrote!!!!

[@merchantarthurn]

I don't have the experience to have noticed all the things you did, but I did catch her bag on the back of the chair and thought it was so cool they'd included that. I'm interested (and a little dreading) in what they'll do in part 2. She's portrayed in the film as being very capable when in accessible environments and is also thriving socially so That Scene won't really... work? At least not the way it does in the musical. There's not really much foundation for Nessa hating herself, more being frustrated with people's assumptions about who she is and what she's capable of (which is a parallel with her sister that just Works so well).

[@Justtorithings]

Thanks for watching! I am also so intrigued to see how they have act 2 go based on the changes they have made to Nessa as a character and really diving into her independence and ability to advocate for herself.

[@gwendolynrobinson3900]

I think they'll take it more the route of wanting Boq's approval. She doesn't need a carer, but will probably still force Boq to be her carer/manservant to not lose him, like in the stage musical. And since he is obviously not into her, she'll probably build feelings of inadequacy and start thinking "maybe if I could walk he'd want to be with me" She'll probably still get mad at Elphaba and end up with mobility-aid shoes of some kind, hoping Boq will be impressed, and Boq will probably still be excited for her and sing "surely now I'll matter less to you, and you won't mind my leaving" I love how independent she is as a disabled character, but she's still an antagonist (and still human) in the 2nd part and will probably do whatever it takes to keep a sub-par man 😂

[@pingidjit]

I love that yall are geeking out about her wheels. Like that is something I would never have thought about but it makes sense when that is something important to you. I hope that accessibility continues to get better. There really is no excuse for why we aren't capable of doing it. I know as a person that doesn't require it, it can be difficult to even notice what is problem causing. But we should be better about listening to those who know and fix it.

[@Justtorithings]

Thanks for watching!

[@kaylasteele692]

Have you guys seen the Barbie movie? I was obsessed with the wheelchair user in the dance the night scene! She had her own spotlight moment and also just danced along with everyone else doing the same choreography. And her wheelchair was pink!!! As a non wheelchair user I loved seeing the representation and my eyes were the most drawn to her in the most positive way! She in no way was othered and was completely a part of everyone else in all her scenes, as she should! Love that movie makers are taking a moment to put more thought and care into disabled representation

[@alltookendall]

I have noticed it during the dance scene but I love it during the court room scene!!! I love that so much. Casual disability representation is the coolest!!

[@kyliemaslen5969]

so happy this was on my feed! thanks for your well thought out discussion. i look forward to seeing more videos from you both ❤

[@Justtorithings]

Thank you for watching! We have some exciting things coming out in the next few weeks!

[@beltingtokra]

Nice to meet you, i helped an internet friend prepare for her Nessarose callback, she is also a wheelchair user and very talented. I'm able bodied so am unsure how much weight my opinion holds... but i think the film handled Nessarose beautifully. I like her energy and her goal of wanting to be independent and doing her thing at Shiz rather than being attached to elphaba.

[@alltookendall]

I loved it too! What an awesome movie and they handled Nessarose so amazingly. Thanks for watching!!

[@Justtorithings]

Thanks for watching! I also loved how they made Nessa her own person!

[@RebelwheelsNYCShow]

This was so great thank you for making it. As a disabled KZbinr I'm always looking for a contact creators in our community. I haven't seen a movie yet. I'm waiting for it to come out on streaming. But I love this video and have subscribed ❤

[@Justtorithings]

Thanks for following along! Hopefully you enjoy our future videos as well!

[@Littlezotz]

Great job!! I really hope you two continue this series (I see I have some catching up to do with Muppet Christmas Carol - a classic! - that I missed initially and now The Dream Motel!). Do you like horror movies? Silver Bullet was an important film for me when I was a kid (some of my first memories were related to being in a wheelchair and although I'm able to walk now, my persisting large motor skill issues led to me being bullied pretty badly as a kid), and I recently reviewed Silver Bullet on my horror website for its 40th anniversary. I linked to your video and recommended your series! I hope that's okay. The KZbin algorithm recommended your vids to me and I was impressed! I was subscriber 179! 🥰

[@lenny_wonders]

this was great! I haven't seen the movie yet but I'm more excited to see it now. I really enjoyed your insight and enthusiasm.

[@alltookendall]

Have fun watching it! I had a blast!

[@felixhenson9926]

So like. Ngl as an AuDHD wheelchair user and someone who's seen the stage show 4 times now, the film was a bit too long for me, i rly had to struggle through it. And i'm MORE than a little cautious about the second part and Nessa's plotline. So I'm not quite as hyped as you two but ngl, the fact that Shiz is a more accessible and inclusive university than the actual uni i went to is pretty wild. Maybe i'd like to watch it again but specifically w the perspective of a fantasy escapism of an accessible university specifically.

[@alltookendall]

Part 2 will definitely be interesting to see how they handle it! An accessible university is the DREAM

[@xragdoll5662]

Autistic and ADHD? Why do you even need a wheelchair

[@toriking18]

Finally the tori content we needed 🤩

[@buffienguyen]

as opposed to some commenters, i do have a physical disability but know very little about Wicked and have not seen neither musical or movie. i just enjoy watching media commentary videos haha i enjoy both of your opinions on the representation! i wish i could have such a cool wheelchair like in the movie :D

[@alltookendall]

I love that! I wish I could have her cool wheelchair too!

[@Justtorithings]

Thanks for watching! I also want her chair!!

[@thoughtfulwatcher]

I also have muscular dystrophy. One of my favorite representations wasn't a movie, but a series. I Highlander, Joe Dawson didn't have legs. The actor also lost them so it was authentic. He used a cane and had a rolling gate. Nobody treated him differently. He was a 3D character with a job, friends, etc. It was quite awhile before his disability was even addressed. They developed Joe, first. It wasn't Joe-without-Legs. I loved whoever cast/wrote/did all that back in the 90s.

[@alltookendall]

I love that! We might have to add that one to our list!!

[@toriking18]

I second that this gets added to our list 👀

[@toritalks9583]

Love to see this disabled representation in the media!

[@mikewhite8663]

Well she is actually in a wheelchair and real life and Jon has to recreate the opening of the Judy garland movie because the actress who plays nessa is permanently in a wheelchair it doesn’t get more representative then that

[@espurrlady3397]

Great video!

[@mikewhite8663]

And they have to film the scarecrow looking at nessa in the tornado with the house

[@borjankosarac3645]

And Between the musical “Wicked” and… *ugh* - freaking “Glee” - it feels like there was an underlying ableist narrative towards people with limited mobility being depicted in the mainstream. Specifically, in that they’d cast “able-bodied” because they’d have either magic, or something more abstract, where the character either gets to walk *or* to dream about no longer being disabled… In that abomination of a musical series, Artie apparently *really* needed to be shown imagining how he could walk and dance. Because that’s more important right…? The show “Heroes” also had a tertiary character in their first (and only good) season who was played by an able-bodied actress. At least in that one though, we actually see the car crash that put her in a wheelchair… and there’s a shady character who has the superpower to heal people that restores her ability to walk. Which… I dunno; it’s too complicated in context to get into and it’s still a part of the trend. Doing live-action for stories in which there *are* means for deformities, life-long injuries, blindness, etc. is inherently difficult to juggle on multiple levels. Both because those stories don’t always come from malice but also just the logistics of actually doing in with representation…

[@alltookendall]

Tori and I have talked a lot about Glee and the representation in it. I agree that there’s a lot of underlying ableist ideas in so much media!! Hopefully it changes in the future!

[@19Rena96]

Universal and everone else (cast, director, etc.) kept quiet when she was harassed and had to deal with ableist comments tho

[@alltookendall]

That’s very disappointing but I hope they’re better with the future.

[@Carmen-kindness]

I feel like Marissa from Early Edition, a fantasy about a cat who comes with the news from the day so Gary and Marissa can save people in the news before they get into emergencies or get murdered is a good disability representative. She is blind and Gary is sighted. She does a lot of the rescues with the help of her seeing - eye dog. Gary is kind of disabled in that he constantly shouts about hating cats even though the cat is his friend. He is too rough with the cat. Marissa has to correct his bad behavior around the animals. So I consider Marissa the star of the show and Gary is just this annoying cat- hating weirdo.

[@toriking18]

We will have to check this out eventually!

[@Justtorithings]

#sendtorithewheels

[@amandatyler4324]

SPOILER ALERT! As you know, in the 2nd act, there is a part where Elphaba casts a spell so Nessa can walk. I’ve heard some people (including the actress, Marissa) say they do not like this part, because it’s indicating a disability is something that needs to be cured. Now I’m not a wheelchair user, so I have a biased perspective and I don’t feel like I really get a say in this, but I’m giving my opinion anyway. I don’t think this is something that needs to be taken out of the story. The fact of the matter is most people in wheelchairs DO wish they were able to walk, and it is dismissive of their struggles to think people with disabilities are perfectly content being disabled in a world not built for them. Even if there are plenty of wheelchair users out there who wouldn’t wish to have the ability to walk if they magically could, there are also plenty who WOULD (I would assume most), therefore the story of the stage production IS a realistic depiction of the wishes of someone with a physical disability. A story doesn’t need to reflect the majority anyway! You can be happy with your life and who you are, while simultaneously wanting some things to be different. It’s ok to be both. I feel like it would be more accurate to say, “I want to see a story in which a wheelchair user is happy with who they are.” And that’s fine, but that isn’t THIS story. People in wheelchairs can relate to a character who wishes their body worked how it’s supposed to. So I would love to hear your opinions on this! As I said, I’m not disabled, so I feel like my opinions on this should not matter at the end of the day. I am a big fan of the stage show, and loved the movie, and if the 2nd part is going to stray too much just to not offend a small group of people, I’m not going to be happy. Especially if that sentiment isn’t shared across the entire disability community. And If most people in wheelchairs disagreed with me here, I’d absolutely be ok with the story being changed! (The disabled should be the ones to decide on this, not me!) So what do you think? Do you think wheelchair users are content with the story of Nessa walking?

[@alltookendall]

I appreciate you sharing your opinion but disabled people are literally saying what they want to happen (her disability not be taken away) but you are assuming they want something else. It’s okay to have different thoughts but the disability community has spoken out about this. I understand that you probably don’t understand why someone would want their disability, it’s a weird idea, but it’s what makes me, me, and I’m happy with being me.

[@roisinrowan1341]

"I'm not disabled-" then you don't get to have an opinion on disability representation. end of story.

[@xragdoll5662]

Girl did you really overpay for tay’s crappy merch? 😂 us longtime fans have bitched about her crappy merch for ages lol. I feel you on the invisible disability and struggled with the term ‘disability’ too. I don’t have to use a wheelchair, but I have had to several times in my life. Nessa gets to walk in part 2

[@alltookendall]

lol I’ve been a fan for so long I’m committed to the merch at this point. Thanks for watching!

[@neetgupta1]

I thought they had changed it in the second movie and Nessa Rose does not ask Elphaba to make her walk?

[@Justtorithings]

@@neetgupta1 It isn't confirmed how the second movie will handle that plot point but we have heard that Marissa Bode was involved in the writing so I would be shocked if the movie does has Nessa walking. We are excited to see what happens later this year!

[@mikewhite8663]

They have to use a person that can walk because she goes to Kansas and she gets bite by Toto and gets killed by the house so Jon has to go and re create that special for her