Making History in 'Wicked': First Wheelchair User Cast as Nessarose Brings Authentic Representation to Role

In a landmark moment for disability representation in mainstream cinema, 24-year-old Marissa Bode has made history as the first wheelchair user to portray Nessarose in ‘Wicked’ throughout its more than two-decade run. The Universal Pictures production not only marks Bode's film debut but also signals a significant shift toward authentic casting in Hollywood.

After receiving the life-changing role in October 2022, Bode quickly found herself on set in the United Kingdom alongside stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. The Wisconsin native, who began using a wheelchair at age 11 following a car accident, brings a deeply personal understanding to the role of Nessarose, Elphaba's younger sister. "When you're not represented a lot and you don't see yourself, you still have a little bit of, 'I know what I'm capable of,'" Bode reflects on her journey to landing the role just one year after graduating college.

The actor's lived experience profoundly influenced her portrayal of Nessarose, whose story centers on asserting independence at Shiz University. Bode's own background allowed her to bring authentic details to the character, from practical considerations like wheelchair bag placement to navigating campus life. "Although you love your family, you really do want to be on your own and to prove to yourself that you can, even though you already know that you can," she explains, drawing parallels between her character's journey and common experiences in the disability community.

The film adaptation takes special care to develop Nessarose's character beyond previous versions, particularly in exploring her relationship with her sister Elphaba. The production also makes a point to showcase accessible design, with Bode noting, "Thankfully, the University of Shiz is accessible. There are ramps everywhere." This detail carries particular significance given that many real-world universities still struggle with accessibility issues – a reality Bode knows through friends and loved ones currently navigating higher education.

For Bode, the role represents more than just a career milestone. "It's not something I saw a lot of when I was growing up, and if I did, it was like for one special episode and you never saw the character again," she shares, highlighting the historical lack of sustained disability representation in media. She hopes her portrayal will help disabled viewers feel less isolated, particularly those who haven't yet found their community.

However, Bode emphasizes that representation, while important, is just the beginning. "There's so much more when it comes to fighting for accessibility and inclusion," she states, expressing hope that her role will inspire others in the disability community to advocate for themselves and their peers. Through this groundbreaking casting choice and thoughtful portrayal, ‘Wicked’ sets a new standard for authentic disability representation in major film productions.

[Source credit: Adapted from TODAY.com article by Maddie Ellis and Donna Farizan]

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