2024 Evil it features a wide range of characters, from Elphaba to the Wizard of Oz, and there is one small character who is actually quite important, despite being cut from the musical stage. Evil may be one of the top films of 2024, but its origins go back much further, 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 Wizard of Oz green-skinned witch is a Hollywood blockbuster.
Although Evil features many characters that were first introduced in The Wizard of Oz, the first film has no shortage of new and interesting characters. More than just having distinct appearances and personalities, each of these characters has incredible depth that the 1939 film couldn't offer. For example, Elphaba does not start out as the Wicked Witch that audiences know and fear, but instead displays her young, compassionate, and stubborn side. However, there's one character who's an especially intriguing addition to the 2024 filmespecially because it is often forgotten.
Elphaba's nanny bear from Wicked is included in the film
Why Nanny Bear is important to Wicked
A surprising addition to Evil the cast is Nanny Bear. Also known as Dulcibear, this anthropomorphic bear acts as Elphaba and Nessarose's nanny. Nanny Bear appears briefly in Evil film when the audience sees a flashback to Elphaba's birth. Although Elphaba's parents are horrified by her green skin, Nanny Bear accepts her immediately and shows her the love she deserves. Nanny Bear is easily forgotten among the most bombastic characters in Evil, but it turns out that she is extremely important to Elphaba's story.
The role of Nanny Bear is an integral part of Elphaba's upbringing and her beliefs in Evil. 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 despised her and her children mocked her, Elphaba found solace in the loving arms of Nanny Bear. Evil does not necessarily emphasize this fact, but it is clear in Maguire's 1995 novel. Nanny Bear's love and support is what drives Elphaba to protect the animals of Ozbecause they always showed their kindness.
Why Wicked's Broadway Musical Left Out Nanny Bear
What The Wicked Movie Gains With the Addition of Nanny Bear
Babysitter Bear may play an important role for Elphaba, but she's not exactly monumental in the grand scheme of things. Evil story, which is why it was cut from the Evil musical. Unlike 2024 Evil, the stage musical does not show Nanny Bear, opting to gloss over Elphaba's past in favor of your gift in Shiz. To some, this may seem like an unfortunate oversight, but considering the format, it makes sense. Musicals have little time to tell a story, and the backstory is not as important as the subject matter. So Nanny Bear is not necessary.
Regardless, the Evil the film benefited from the addition of Nanny Bear to the cast. While the film could have followed in the musical's footsteps and left Nanny Bear out, the project had much more time to delve into Elphaba's past. Therefore, the film spent time showing the audience how Elphaba was expelledand how Nanny Bear was there to help her. This is an important addition because it immediately tells viewers that this world has talking animals that are considered lower-class citizens. Additionally, it establishes Elphaba's own relationship with the animals of Oz, which is pivotal later in the film.
Will Nanny Bear return in Wicked: For Good?
Why Babysitter Bear Should Appear in Wicked 2
There's a chance Nanny Bear's story will continue in 2025 Bad: forever. In the second half of the musical, Elphaba returns home to check up on Nessarose, who is now governor of Munchkinland. It wouldn't be surprising if Nanny Bear still lived with the Thropps and perhaps even took care of Nessarose. In this way, Nanny Bear could act as an ally to Elphaba or, conversely, she could fear the woman. who is now considered an evil witch. Anyway, Evil: forever has a clear opportunity to bring the character back.
Arguably, it would be nice if Nanny Bear returned in the second part of Evil.
Arguably, it would be nice if Nanny Bear returned in the second part of Evil. The first film clearly included her for a reason, so it doesn't make sense for her to only appear in a single flashback. In fact, this flashback sets up her return to the present day, as Elphaba transforms from Shiz's promising student into an evil witch. Nanny Bear can take on the role she knows best: affectionate maternal figure and understanding animal. Ultimately, Evil audiences should expect another version of the overshadowed Nanny Bear.