Warning: This article contains spoilers for Wicked: For Good and the Wicked novel and musical.

In a recent interview with Screen Rant, Wicked actress Marissa Bode hinted at an upcoming change for Nessarose that could completely rework how she gets her Wicked Witch of the East тιтle. In 2024’s Wicked, Nessa is introduced as the younger sister of Elphaba. Although Nessa appears rather innocuous, harboring feelings for Boq while also appearing self-conscious due to her disability, Wicked: For Good will see Nessa turn into a completely new character. After the death of her father, Nessa will become the new Governor of Munchkinland, and her actions will turn quite dark.

One important element to remember about Wicked is that it is an adaptation of an already very layered story. Wicked originated as a novel, written by Gregory Maguire, then changed significantly when it was adapted into a stage musical. Of course, Wicked’s story is also reliant on lore from The Wizard of Oz. Because of this, Jon M. Chu’s Wicked follows the same beats as the original Wicked story, but some details may change. Bode’s recent comments cement this fact, as Nessa may become even more of a villain than the musical ever made her out to be.

Wicked 2 Is Changing Nessarose’s Motivations

What Bode’s Comments Could Point To

The end of Wicked perfectly sets up the next chapter of Nessa’s story, yet Bode’s comments imply that some changes may be on the horizon. According to Bode, “Nessa’s motivations have changed a little bit. They have shifted. The magic within the second film is still there, but it’s a little bit different.” In the musical, Nessa takes advantage of her role as Governor by removing the rights of the Munchkins, ensuring her own power as Governor. However, Bode teases that Nessa may go even further than just being a tyrant.

The most important part of Bode’s interview is that Nessa’s motivations have changed. Based on the original story, Nessa takes such a firm grasp of Munchkinland as a way to ᴀssert power she’s never had, but has always wanted. Yet, if what Bode is saying is true, then Nessa’s intentions may be far more nefarious. Perhaps, alongside wanting power, Nessa takes out her anger on the Munchkins because of her complex relationship with Boq. Maybe Nessa realizes that Boq’s feelings for her were not real, and she punishes him and his people. This is just one of many potential theories.

Nessarose’s New Motivations Can Explain Why She’s Called The Wicked Witch Of The East

How Nessa Could Change In Wicked 2

If Nessa’s intentions change in Wicked: For Good, that could also lead to other alterations to her story. For example, Nessa becomes known as the Wicked Witch of the East because of her proximity to her sister, Elphaba. However, if Nessa does become more evil, then there’s a chance she could earn that тιтle herself, regardless of Elphaba. If Nessa commits acts of violence that go beyond just taking away Munchkin’s rights, then she could become just as notorious as her sister. Arguably, this change would be beneficial, as it would make Nessa more interesting and give her more agency.

In the case where Nessa does become more of a villain, her Wicked: For Good story will look quite different from what is portrayed in the musical and the book. Rather than being a minor tyrant, Nessa could rise to similar ranks as Madame Morrible and the Wizard. In fact, she might even team up with them. In Wicked: For Good, Nessa might have the chance to become a much bigger and more symbolic character. Her character development will bring into question the effects of prejudice of individuals, and the dangers of power that goes into the wrong hands.

Wicked 2 Could Make Nessarose An Actual Magic-Using Witch

How Wicked 2 Could Use Nessa’s Magic

The other part of Bode’s statement is that the magic in Wicked: For Good will be different, at least in the case of Nessa. In the Wicked musical, Nessa does not have the same magic powers as Elphaba, although she does cast a spell that goes horribly wrong, leading to Boq’s heart shrinking. It could be the case that Wicked: For Good will amplify Nessa’s powers, giving her more ability but also more danger. Just as Nessa is characterized as more of a villain, she may also turn out to be a bigger powerhouse than anyone would have thought.

Giving Nessa increased magic could be a really interesting turn of events in the sequel. In Wicked, it becomes clear that Elphaba’s magic is powered by her strongest emotions. When she feels fear or anger, she has outbursts. The same could be said for Nessa in Wicked: For Good. The movie could show the darker side to the Thropp sisters’ magic, showing Elphaba and Nessa as they go down very different paths. All in all, Bode’s comments hint at an exciting future for Wicked.