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Marissa Bode on Bringing Representation and Nuance to Nessarose in “Wicked”
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the highly anticipated film adaptation of “Wicked,” released in 2024, not only shattered box office records but also marked a notable moment for representation, with Marissa Bode becoming the first actor who uses a wheelchair to portray Nessarose on screen.
Marissa Bode first encountered the magic of “wicked” as a 12-year-old, surprised with tickets to the Broadway show by her mother. Little did she know that a decade later, she would be starring alongside Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in the blockbuster film. “I’m so grateful for this experience and – especially my first ever experience,” Bode, 25, tells TODAY.com. “I’m definitely grateful for that … to be a part of something so big.”
Understanding Nessarose’s Story
For those unfamiliar with the story,Nessarose is born unable to walk due to her mother’s consumption of milk flowers during pregnancy – a precaution taken out of fear of having another child with green skin like her sister,Elphaba. The character’s journey is one of longing, betrayal, and ultimately, tragedy. Bode’s casting is especially poignant, as it brings a new layer of authenticity to the role.
In “Wicked” part 1, Nessarose is depicted as a hopeful young woman, captivated by Boq, a Munchkin boy she meets at a dance at the Ozdust Ballroom. She believes he reciprocates her affections. Though, “Wicked: For Good,” set a year later, reveals a stark conversion. Nessarose becomes the governor of Munchkinland, a driven workaholic who discovers Boq has been secretly in love with Glinda the entire time.
Challenging the “Villain” Label
This betrayal is the catalyst for Nessarose’s descent into what many perceive as villainy. However, Bode argues that this label is a mischaracterization.”I think Nessa is totally misunderstood,” she explains. “I think sometimes people can mix the bigger picture and just write her off as the villain or inherently evil, but I think the point of the film is to really show that all of these characters really have so many layers.”
Bode describes Nessarose’s transformation as “devastating.” She draws parallels between her character’s experiences and those of disabled people in real life. “I think that’s what makes it so heartbreaking, because it’s like, she’s just trying to find love and acceptance, and she’s constantly being told that she’s not worthy of it.”
the Magic and the pain
The film delves into the source of Nessarose’s power, which stems from her mother’s use of magic to try and prevent another green-skinned child. Slater, who plays Boq, explains the nature of this magic. “I think it’s a really engaging thing that they did with the magic in this, because it’s not necessarily like a wand and a spell. It’s more like a force, like a life force, and it’s very tied to emotion.It’s very tied to need. It’s very tied to desperation.And it’s almost like,it’s a little bit like,aba in that way.I think, yes, it’s magic, but it’s also the kind of power that Elphaba has to fly. So I think that, in some ways, informs where the fear goes.”
Driven by desperation,Nessarose attempts to use Elphaba’s Grimmerie to cast a love spell on Boq,but the spell backfires,shrinking his heart. Elphaba ultimately saves his life by transforming him into the Tin Man.Slater emphasizes that Boq’s core personality remains consistent throughout the transformation, stating, “I think it was really crucial to me that Boq, pre-transformation, is the same Boq, post-transformation. From his point of view,the world around him is changing,and he’s just responding to it.”
Tragic Fates and Future Endeavors
Both Nessarose and Boq meet tragic ends in “Wicked.” Nessarose dies when a tornado – the very one from “The Wizard of Oz” – brought on by Madame Morrible, destroys her home. Despite the somber conclusion, both actors are looking ahead. Slater is set to star in the Broadway play “Marcel on the Train,” opening February 22.
Bode expresses gratitude for her role in the epic film but also a desire for new challenges. “
