When I first saw Wicked on Broadway, it was a transformative experience. I was in college for a class trip, we were studying textile design and my professor, who was a huge Broadway fan, decided that we should go check out Wicked on Broadway. I went into it extremely blinded and not expecting anything but I was along for the ride. Little did I know that this show would introduce me to the magic of theater and left a lasting impression. One character that stayed with me was Nessa Rose (for of course, obvious reasons), But as I continued to watch the beginnings of her scenes, I noticed that her portrayal was the tragically overlooked sister of Elphaba. I was heartbroken and I felt that here I was again getting traumatized by the ablest views many people have about people who have disabilities. In many portrayals, Nessa is presented as weak and helpless—a reflection of how characters with disabilities are often written. OOOOf course, as we all did - I did although fall in love with the show besides my disappointment on her character.
Now with the upcoming Wicked adaptation, something extraordinary is happening. For the first time in its history, a character with a disability is being portrayed by an actor with a disability, Marissa Bode. This is monumental, not just for Wicked, but for Hollywood at large.
Marissa Bode’s performance as Nessa Rose represents a shift toward authenticity and inclusivity. In an interview, she acknowledged that they hired a disabled dance coach, which absolutely blew my mind, but also by hiring a disabled dance coach to work with Marissa, the production team has ensured that her portrayal isn’t just performative—it’s grounded in real experience. Her role challenges the outdated tropes often used to depict disabled characters, bringing nuance and depth to a character who has long deserved it.
There is also spoiler alert! the casting of Peter Dinklage in the film which further underscores this adaptation’s commitment to diversity. I'm not really going to say more than that because I think that you definitely need to experience that moment for yourself, especially how the director decided to incorporate him into the Wicked narrative.
But going back to Nessa Rose, this is more than just a casting decision; it’s a cultural milestone. Disabled actors rarely lead in major productions, especially films with multi-million-dollar budgets. When they do, their success is celebrated as a collective achievement by the disability community. It’s a bittersweet reality—our victories often feel like exceptions in an industry that still marginalizes us. Sometimes I still wonder why it's taken so long, but I'm so thankful that I get to see this happen in my timeline, and optimistic that this will just be the beginning. Because this queer biracial queen really is putting the bar high for Hollywood! And I am personally here for it.
But Wicked has the potential to be more than an exception. It can serve as a blueprint for future films. By showcasing the talents of actors like Marissa Bode and Peter Dinklage, this adaptation demonstrates the richness that authentic representation brings to storytelling.
The industry still has far to go. Casting disabled actors in roles beyond their disabilities, integrating consultants for authenticity, and telling stories that reflect the full spectrum of human experience are critical steps forward.
I encourage anyone reading this to support projects that feature authentic disabled representation. Seek them out. Celebrate them. By doing so, you’re not just enjoying great art—you’re contributing to a movement that recognizes the value of all voices, on-screen and beyond.
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