Marissa Bode Makes History in ‘Wicked’ Film Adaptation

The release of the film adaptation of the acclaimed Broadway musical ‘Wicked’ marks a significant step in Hollywood’s representation of disabled actors. Starring in this adaptation is Marissa Bode, who portrays Nessarose, the sister of Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo. What makes Bode’s casting particularly noteworthy is that she is the first actress authentically using a wheelchair to embody this character, both on stage and screen.

Bode, who began acting at the age of eight and started using a wheelchair following a car accident at eleven, speaks candidly about how her personal experiences resonate with her role. «It’s definitely given me a lot more understanding and empathy of humans in general. With Nessa, I relate to her in many ways, particularly her wanting to find a sense of community,» she commented.

In the film directed by Jon M. Chu, Bode’s portrayal aims to showcase the authentic experiences of disabled individuals. «I love seeing disabled characters be played authentically by real disabled people, because no one knows us better than us,» Bode expressed to the Los Angeles Times. She hopes this marks a watershed moment for disability representation in Hollywood.

The creative team, including Winnie Holzman and Stephen Schwartz, worked closely with Bode to ensure an authentic portrayal. This collaboration reflects in details such as modeling Nessarose’s wheelchair after Bode’s own. The production’s effort to authentically represent disabled experiences extended to design elements influenced by Bode’s real-world insights.

Bode shares some memorable experiences from the ‘Wicked’ set, including flying scenes executed with the help of wires. «I loved being in the air,» she said. «Being on wires isn’t something I do every single day, so that was a lot of fun, and that felt very magical to me.»

Director Jon M. Chu emphasized the extensive casting process, stating, «It was a big, intense search. You have to find someone who’s young, who can sing, who can act, who’s a wheelchair user and who has both the sweetness and the darkness of what happens in our story.» Bode’s dedication and talent ultimately won her the role.

Notably, Bode’s casting also influenced procedural changes on set, highlighting the importance of accessibility in filmmaking. The film’s access coordinator, Chantelle Nassari, worked to ensure that the set was equipped for Bode’s needs, a commitment to inclusivity that Bode praised.

Reflecting on her aspirations post-‘Wicked’, Bode expressed interest in exploring more diverse roles. «I would love to work with more disabled creatives in the future,» she said, noting the importance of continued representation and inclusivity in Hollywood.

Director Jon M. Chu advised other productions pursuing similar paths towards inclusivity, noting the need for open dialogue and thoughtful design. «You’re going to spend more money and time on casting…and you’re probably going to make mistakes…It just takes you making it a priority to make it happen,» Chu advised.