Introducing Marissa Bode, the actor making ‘Wicked’ history in her film debut

As I delve into the captivating journey of Marissa Bode, a beacon of inspiration and resilience, my heart swells with admiration. Her life story, marked by her indomitable spirit and unyielding determination, is a testament to the power of perseverance.

Notable stars make up the ensemble of “Wicked”: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Peter Dinklage, and Bowen Yang.

However, unlike some other actors in the “Wicked” production, Marissa Bode may be unfamiliar to you. She is making groundbreaking history as the first actor who authentically uses a wheelchair to portray Nessarose, the younger sister of Elphaba (played by Erivo). Not only does Bode play a pivotal role in one of the film’s most romantic scenes, but she also aims to establish a significant turning point for disability representation in Hollywood with her performance.

Bode expressed that it’s heartening to witness authentic portrayals of disabled characters by genuinely disabled actors, as nobody understands our experiences more intimately than ourselves,” (paraphrased from the original quote)

It’s significantly crucial, given the scarcity of authentic representation for the disabled community, to seize the chance and emphasize this, particularly in a widely-adored project. This action sends a powerful message to other productions that incorporating characters with disabilities within their casts is achievable.

In her first full-length movie role, Bode was selected to portray a character born into a wheelchair life through an open audition call. “The casting process was extensive and intense,” remarked the film’s director Jon M. Chu, who received Bode’s audition tape near the end of the selection period.

We need to locate an individual with a unique set of skills: they should be young, talented in singing and acting, proficient in using a wheelchair, and embody both the lightness and the complexity found in our narrative. No concessions will be made regarding these requirements.

At the tender age of 11, following a car accident that left her wheelchair-bound, Bode had the delightful surprise of watching “Wicked” live on stage. Her mother arranged this treat by purchasing tickets for a touring production in Mazomanie, Wisconsin, where they resided at the time.

Similar to Nessa, Bode too chose to relocate for his college education – a choice that initially caused concern among his parents and elder sibling. However, he successfully completed his studies at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles in 2021.

Speaking at 24, Bode expressed a strong resemblance between himself and her, particularly given their shared experiences as individuals with disabilities embarking on college life. He recognized in her the same zest for independence that he felt – the desire to forge new relationships, explore the world, and discover one’s place within it.

Sometimes, Nessa expresses her belief in self-reliance within the story “Wicked”. In an initial scene, she makes clear her wish to navigate Shiz University on her own, having recently enrolled, a sentiment that resonates with her sister but may not be fully appreciated by their protective father or university staff.

Instead of the “Wizard of Oz” stage production, which has never featured an authentic wheelchair user in the role during its successful 21-year plus run on Broadway or elsewhere, it’s now changing due to open dialogues with real-life wheelchair users such as Tony Award-winning actress Ali Stroker.

Winnie Holzman, one of the creators, emphasized that they put in a lot of effort and careful consideration into setting everything up perfectly,” she said. “We were aware of the significance it would hold not only for wheelchair users, but also for anyone who identifies as differently-abled, to witness this.

As stated by Chu, Marissa played a significant role in changing how we depict the character Nessa, starting with her idea to base the wheelchair design on that of the actor who plays the role. This was done to showcase Nessa’s real-life self-reliance effortlessly.

As a film enthusiast, I knew I had to flow effortlessly and authentically through each scene. If I appeared uneasy, it might show up on camera, so I wanted to be as comfortable as possible. That’s why I suggested minor adjustments like making the seat recline slightly, or placing my backpack behind me in the chair. The best part was that they were open to suggestions and would simply ask if something seemed amiss. I gladly stepped up to fill in any gaps, ensuring a seamless experience for everyone involved.

Paul Tazewell, the costume designer, infused the feel of Munchkinland into the wheelchair by incorporating intricate Art Nouveau carvings and a dark red velvet trim. This color was often seen in Nessa’s wardrobe, symbolizing her mother’s dress she inherited. Additionally, her silver slippers featured tornado-like swirls around the heels, another nod to her mother’s style.

As a true cinema enthusiast, I prioritized ensuring that Marissa’s attire was always impeccably neat and perfectly placed, especially when she was seated, since she is simply breathtakingly beautiful. Tazewell, who dressed Nessa in Victorian silhouettes accentuated with intricate textures for the film, explained this. He aimed to make her appear almost like a cherished doll, with base colors of cream or white to emphasize her purity and innocence.

It’s particularly noticeable during the song “Dancing Through Life,” as Nessa and her charming Munchkin companion, Boq (played by Ethan Slater), make their appearance at the Ozdust Ballroom in a knitted, red-bordered dress. At first, they seem to shy away from dancing.

Cinematographer Alice Brooks expressed, “When he praises her as stunning, I yearned for her to embody the epitome of timeless beauty, akin to the greatest actress in cinema.” Transforming into someone breathtakingly radiant and elegant, she was no longer just an ordinary teenager but a truly captivating vision.

Afterward, Nessa and Boq engage in a short yet exuberant dance interlude, which becomes one of the film’s most touching romantic sequences. As expressed by choreographer Christopher Scott, “Jon made it clear from the start that this moment should evoke a sensation of flight for her.” This scene symbolizes the pinnacle of her joy, a moment where she can let go of all her life’s burdens, just as we all do with our everyday struggles.

In partnership with wheelchair choreographer and dancer Hannah Raynor, Scott developed a routine where Boq spins Nessa across the floor and performs dance moves on his knees while maintaining eye contact. “We approached it as we would any other duet,” Scott explained, “and duets are all about establishing a connection, whether that’s through eye contact, touch, or sensing each other’s energy.

After several weeks of practice sessions, Bode and Slater adapted their dance steps based on what they learned. Much like a dance instructor teaching a student, Hannah explained that each wheelchair user has unique range of motion, so they would work through the moves gradually, adjusting as necessary to fit the individual’s capabilities, just as one would with any dancer.

For Bode, the dance sequence is both a pivotal character development moment for Nessa and a celebration of disabled performers in general.

She remarked, “It’s unfortunate that many of us aren’t educated about the abilities of individuals with disabilities during our upbringing.” It’s wonderful to demonstrate that we’re active participants in various aspects of life, not just acting and singing, but also dancing, moving, and training. While every disability is unique, it’s important to note that many people with disabilities possess a wide range of abilities.

In the fictional world of “Wicked,” production designer Nathan Crowley made sure it was wheelchair-accessible. Beyond that, the film’s access coordinator, Chantelle Nassari, took extra steps to accommodate actor Bode. She provided a fully accessible trailer for him, checked daily pathways for accessibility, and ensured he had everything needed to perform comfortably. It’s worth noting that there was a learning process for director Chu and other production members regarding these accommodations.

The director explained to Marissa, “Give us some understanding, as we’re working with a system that isn’t designed for everyone’s needs, including those with disabilities, so we may stumble and make errors in the process.” However, they maintained an open dialogue throughout. The director shared a valuable lesson from Marissa, such as when people would approach her and move her chair while adjusting microphones. It was a reminder that “That’s my body. Ask me first if you want to touch my chair.

Bode, who identifies as biracial and queer, aims to build upon her first appearance in a feature film by exploring coming-of-age narratives, horror projects, and additional LGBTQ+ themes (she chuckled), expressing her desire for future collaborations with creators who have disabilities.

Chu echoed similar thoughts and provided guidance for other productions aiming to follow suit. “You’ll end up spending more resources on casting and digging deeper globally to find the right candidates, as not everyone is represented and many are unaware of these roles, yet they possess immense talent,” he explained.

When working on a film set, you need to consider aspects that aren’t part of your everyday thoughts, ask questions and plan accordingly. You’ll likely make errors due to unknown factors, but by treating it as a top priority, you can bring your ideas to life.

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2024-11-20 14:31