Two new films, Wicked and Daruma, show Hollywood’s progress in casting characters with disabilities.
Wicked, which premiered to huge grosses last week, casts Marissa Bode as Nessarose, the film’s antagonist who uses a wheelchair. Bode, who has a spinal cord injury, challenges previous portrayals of Nessarose, who was often played by actors without disabilities.
“Casting authentically and showing an authentic disabled person is very important, but it’s also very important how we’re shown,’ said Bode. ‘I am very happy with the changes that have been made, for sure.”
Daruma, an indie film, which premiered last month, stars Tobias Forrest, who is a quadriplegic, and John W. Lawson, a double hand amputee, in roles portraying characters with disabilities. Executive producer Peter Farrelly was adamant about realistic casting for Daruma, even delaying production to ensure roles were filled by actors with disabilities.
“Hopefully, Daruma will inspire conversations about fatherhood and friendship as well as highlight the importance of authentic casting and inclusive storytelling,” Farrelly said in a recent interview. “Every entertainment company would benefit instantly from an increase in the employment of people with disabilities at every level of production.”
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