Marissa Bode calls 'Wicked' set 'safe space' for disabled actors

Marissa Bode, a Hollywood newcomer and the first wheelchair user, has shared that Wicked cast and crew created a safe space.

Bode, who plays the role of younger sister of Elphaba (played by Cynthia Erivo), says that she doesn’t recall a single challenge while filming with the director Jon M. Chu.

She told PEOPLE magazine, “Sometimes it is hard to always be vulnerable [on camera]. And when you’re surrounded by so many people on a set, it can be difficult if you’re focusing too much on outside elements to really have that [vulnerability] as the character.”

Additionally, she credited disability coordinator Chantelle Nassari, a wheelchair user herself, for helping her to make the space accessible before Bode even arrived on set.

She revealed that the set included a custom trailer with features like voice-activated doors, an accessible makeup station, and a remote-controlled wardrobe system.

It is worth mentioning that the Wicked: Part One was released on November 22, meanwhile the second part will be released on November 22, 2025.