Marissa Bode, an emerging talent out of Hollywood, has officially become part of cinematic history with the highly awaited on-screen adaptation of Wicked, in which she portrays her most iconic role, that of Nessarose-Elphaba’s sister. In a breakthrough in this direction, Bode, who uses a wheelchair, is the first artist to portray the character with a disability. But this is not just a moment for the Wicked franchise; it is a powerful moment in the representation of disabled individuals within mainstream media. But beyond this milestone, Bode’s experience on set offers a refreshing look into the future of accessibility, inclusivity, and the vital need for advocacy in entertainment.
A Role That Opens Doors
For over two decades, Wicked has enthralled audiences with its dramatic retelling of the saga of the “Wicked Witch of the West.” However, the role of Nessarose, while central to the storyline, had always been portrayed by non-disabled actors. Bode’s casting is a pivotal change in that respect; she is the first wheelchair user to take on this iconic role. But for Bode, this representation is about more than just filling a role—it is about reshaping how the entertainment industry thinks about disability.
Up until that point, 24-year-old Bode was an unknown name in Hollywood, but her path to Wicked began with an open casting call. Following a series of auditions, she was cast as Nessarose in the movie adaptation directed by Jon M. Chu. For Bode, the role opened a door, but it also raised the bar on how the industry can better support disabled talent.
A Safe and Accessible Set
One of the most remarkable aspects of Bode’s experience was the level of care and preparation that went into making sure the set of Wicked was fully accessible. Director Jon M. Chu and his team went to great lengths to create an environment where Bode could perform at her best. She recalls how the cast and crew made conscious efforts to try to anticipate her needs even before she had to voice them. A disability coordinator, Chantelle Nassari, a wheelchair user herself, was brought on set to ensure that every space Bode interacted with was accessible and safe.
Bode still cherishes how the team came with a personalized trailer that was specially equipped with a chair lift, voice-activated doors, and other features adapted for accessibility, such as a makeup station and wardrobe rails. This foresight and preparation meant Bode could fully commit to her role without distraction or the often-present challenges of navigating an environment that is inaccessible. The team was so proactive,” Bode says, “They made sure everything was in place, and I never felt like I was an afterthought.”
But this environment of support wasn’t just about physical accessibility. Bode emphasizes the importance of the emotional and creative space provided for her. On a film set where so much attention is on creating the perfect shot, it can be easy for an actor to feel like their needs are secondary. Bode remembers how considerate Chu and the crew were, making sure the focus was on her as an artist, not just as a person with a disability. This allowed her to bring the depth to Nessarose’s character and made the performance all the more honest and strong.
Advocating for Disability Representation
Apart from Wicked, Bode is an outspoken advocate for the disabled community, pushing for greater inclusion both in front of and behind the camera. She believes that her casting is part of a larger, necessary conversation about how to make spaces more accessible to disabled individuals. “Representation is important, but it’s not enough on its own,” Bode insists. “We need real change in how we build accessible environments, both in the workplace and in the world at large.
Bode promotes the fact that the very first point of intervention in life regarding disability is education and awareness. She believes that children, both disabled and non-disabled, should be taught about disability to help them be more understanding, respectful, and empathetic. She claims this would ensure more inclusive communities, and hence, a space that belongs to everyone.
Still, he’s quick to point out that the onus isn’t solely on disabled individuals to create such spaces. Non-disabled people have got to take it upon themselves to learn about disabilities and learn what questions to ask—and act around making spaces accessible. “The work is not just about making a space accessible. It’s about understanding the needs of disabled people and making the effort to meet those needs,” explains Bode.
Shifting Perceptions and Pushing Boundaries
Equally noteworthy was the on-set experience of Bode, who was given license to do stunts-a fact many would have thought risky for an actor in a wheelchair. The production team behind the film did not treat Bode as fragile. They encouraged her to perform challenging scenes, such as Nessarose flying through the air-a scene no actress with a disability had performed previously. This decision to further enable Bode rather than disable her due to her condition is indicative of changing attitudes in the entertainment industry with regard to disabled talent. “They never treated me like I couldn’t do something because of my wheelchair. That’s a huge part of the message that I want to send,” says Bode.
This kind of openness to pushing boundaries—so at once physical and conceptual—finds its place within some sort of cultural change: as media and forms of entertainment continue to evolve, disability is increasingly regarded rather not as something to be fixed but as a valid expression that needs to be put onto screens authentically. By casting Bode, who has a disability, in a role that traditionally would have gone to a non-disabled actor, Wicked is helping to set a new standard for how disability can be represented in media.
Looking Ahead: A New Standard for Inclusion
Looking to the future, Bode hopes her part in Wicked will serve as an inspiration for other disabled artists, particularly younger people who might not see many role models within the industry. She feels that representation is a powerful tool for change, and she wants to be part of a greater movement that allows disabled people to see themselves in all kinds of roles, from superheroes to romantic leads.
She also hopes this positive example will encourage other productions to do the same in making accessibility and inclusivity a priority. “If we can make a movie like Wicked accessible, there’s no reason other productions can’t do the same,” says Bode. “It’s not a matter of if we can make things accessible—it’s a matter of whether we’re willing to try.”
Bode’s journey is a testament to the power of advocacy, the importance of accessibility, and the potential for real change in the entertainment industry. As she continues to break new ground, she is not only redefining what it means to play a character like Nessarose but also reshaping the future of disability representation in Hollywood.
