Marissa Bode visited Bucknell University’s Weis Center of Performing Arts this past Monday, April 20, for the 2026 Student Lectureship. Bode was joined by Sydney Strasser ’26 in a moderated discussion for Bucknell students and Lewisburg residents alike to enjoy.
The evening discussion began as Strasser asked Bode to first reflect on what it meant for her to make her feature film debut as the first wheelchair user to play Nessarose Thropp in the 2024 film, “Wicked,” and the subsequent sequel, “Wicked: For Good,” both being adaptations of the two acts of the Broadway musical, “Wicked.” Bode responded, remarking about how incredible it was to be a part of something so large– both the movies themselves, and the world of “Wicked.”
Strasser then asked Bode more about the massive fan base that “Wicked” holds, and considering that, how those a part of the film aimed to find a balance between appeasing long-time fanatics and creating something spectacular to stand alone. Bode explained that everyone involved hoped to honor the iconic musical but create something new rather than an exact replica of the Broadway show. She believes that they did just that; they kept the spirit of the original beloved characters, but along with new actors comes new performances, and the movie perfectly struck that balance. She further elaborated that with any adaptation of a show like “Wicked,” the storytelling will always translate differently in front of a camera rather than on stage.
Bode would offer a similar answer later in the night when asked whether she has a preference between theater and camera acting; she responded that while she has a deep love for theater, what she specifically prefers about movie acting is the subtlety in cinematography that you can’t quite catch on stage.
Bode also touched quite a bit on the significance of making theater an accessible place for all to enjoy. She told a specific story about a show she had been working on right before she became disabled. She explained the initial feeling, after the accident, of realizing she would no longer be able to be a part of the show. However, her director saw it differently and decided that they should continue to put on the show with Bode’s participation. She discussed how the director thought of creative ways to adjust the show: for a notable tap dance routine that Bode was a part of, they made the clever decision to change the routine so all participants used their hands instead of feet in the tap shoes. Bode went on to explain that this was when she first realized that accommodations can and should be made for her, as well as everyone passionate about the arts.
Strasser and Bode additionally discussed the importance of disabled actors having a say in their roles and being able to advocate for themselves. Bode explained the significance of directors and producers consulting and listening to disabled people when portraying something they actually live through. Specifically relating to “Wicked,” Bode touched on the original portrayal and negative reception of Nessarose in the Broadway musical and how important it was that the writers were willing to hear feedback and make changes for the movie to make Nessarose a more complex but still respectfully crafted character.
When Strasser asked Bode about plans for the future and upcoming projects, there seemed to be quite a bit to look forward to. Bode first explained some of the short films she has been a part of, as well as some that she has directed herself, along with her partner. She also talked about how she hopes to play around with comedy in the future, as well as taking on a role in which she can just exist as herself, explaining that her intersectionality already adds a layer of nuance to roles she plays, and she hopes that, with that in mind, she can contribute to projects without necessarily focusing solely on certain backstories or parts of her identity.
The night also consisted of several fun questions that allowed the audience to get to know Bode a little bit more. We learned that her favorite song from Wicked is “What Is This Feeling?”, she loves Thai food for comfort and her top four movies are “But I’m a Cheerleader,” “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” “Get Out” and “Over the Hedge.”
The discussion was an entertaining experience for all those in attendance, and Bode’s thoughtful insight aligned perfectly with Associate Dean of Student Life Erin Paschal’s mission of this year’s lectureship to “offer an important and inspiring perspective for our campus community.”
