Wicked disability representation is getting new attention as actor Marissa Bode takes on a major role in a global film series. Her work in the hit musical films signals a wider push in the entertainment world to give disabled artists the space they deserve. Bode plays Nessarose Thropp in the films based on the popular stage show. She is the first disabled actor to take the role on screen or on stage, and she sees the moment as a chance to push for true change. She says that disabled performers have spent years waiting for a fair chance to act, to be seen, and to be respected in the same way as other artists. Studies show that disabled performers rarely get cast as disabled characters. Many roles still go to non-disabled actors. This practice is seen as harmful because it tells viewers that disabled actors are not fit to play their own stories. It also reduces the number of jobs available to disabled performers. Bode says she wants casting teams to look at talent first and to think more about how to include people rather than exclude them. She says the film industry has ignored disabled performers for far too long, and she hopes her work in the Wicked films opens doors for many others. Her experience on the Wicked set was shaped by a strong support team. The crew included a disability coordinator whose job was to check for access issues and help fix them before filming began. This support meant that Bode could focus on her work instead of worrying about basic access. At earlier points in her career, physical barriers limited her opportunities. She says she ran into steps, narrow doors, and sets that were not prepared to adjust. These kinds of challenges keep many disabled performers out of work. For her, working on a major film that valued access was a major shift. After the release of the first film, Bode faced online attacks from people who joked about the character’s disability. She posted a video to explain why such jokes can be harmful. She reminded viewers that a character may be fictional, but disability is real. She asked people to think about the impact their words have on disabled viewers. Bode expects new negative comments when the second film arrives but says she feels more prepared. She hopes viewers will focus on the character’s depth, feelings, and hopes rather than her wheelchair. The new film also updates a scene that has long raised concerns within the disability community. In the stage version, a spell lets Nessarose stand and walk, which many saw as reinforcing the idea that disabled people need to be fixed. In the film sequel, the moment is changed. Instead of walking, the character floats, which reflects a personal wish linked to her story and feelings. Bode says this small change gives the character more human detail and avoids sending a harmful message. She believes this shift shows that creators are listening more to disabled viewers. Her work is also being recognized in the wider industry. She recently received an acting award that honors performers who push for better disability inclusion. Even with growing attention, she says the industry still has large gaps in awareness. People often do not know what language to use or what actions are harmful. She says she tries to be patient because many people have never learned about disability in a real way. She encourages people to look for creators who speak about these issues with clarity and care. Bode hopes more disabled people will get the chance to create films, write stories, and shape how disability appears in the media. She says there is a strong community ready to work and ready to share new ideas. Wicked disability representation is more than a single moment. For many, it is a sign that the industry is ready to grow and to make room for every kind of performer.