Wicked’s Marissa Bode Shares How Role Has Changed Her for Good

Marissa Bode will carry this feeling her whole life long.

The actress who plays Nessa Rose—Elphaba’s sister in the Wicked movies—has been talking about her life since the first film came out in November 2024, and how being part of the project has changed her personally.

Marissa told TopMob News’ Justin Sylvester at the premiere of Wicked: For Good in New York City that she appreciated how the movie demonstrated a willingness to embrace change and consider different perspectives. She said this message is personally important to her.

Marissa, who uses a wheelchair just like her character on screen, shared that she believes this show might be the first time many children see someone with a disability, making the experience particularly meaningful.

While Wicked was already popular as a stage musical, turning it into a movie has dramatically expanded its audience, resulting in an incredibly enthusiastic reaction, as Marissa noted.

She continued, explaining that the story resonates with everyone in different ways. She believes the strong connections people feel with the characters are a real reflection of the artistry behind Wicked.

Marissa has always been a big fan of the musical Wicked and its characters. Although she portrays Nessa in the show, she originally fell in love with the character of Elphaba.

Marissa described her as a confident and self-assured person who isn’t easily influenced by others. She really appreciates this strength of character and admires someone who knows what they want.

Jonathan Bailey, who plays Fiyero in the movie, also discussed the important message of acceptance in Wicked. He shared that this theme particularly resonated with him, as he was often teased growing up for being gay.

As a huge fan, I was so moved by what the Sexiest Man Alive said at the premiere! He really hit the nail on the head about Wicked. He explained that it’s a deeply relatable story for anyone who’s ever felt different or like they didn’t quite fit in. It’s all about embracing what makes you unique, understanding who you are, and the strength you find in that individuality. That’s what Wicked is truly about, and it’s why I connect with it so much.

As he put it, “I think that’s what hopefully feels incredibly human.”

For more from the spellbinding premiere of Wicked: For Good, read on.