Marissa Bode Says Nessarose’s Storyline in ‘Wicked: For Good’ Will Be “Less Harmful to Disabled People” Than Original Broadway Version

Just before Wicked actor Marissa Bode accepted her honor as this year’s recipient of the ReelAbilities Film Festival’s Spotlight Award on Thursday night, her Oscar-nominated co-stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo made a surprise video appearance.In a taped message, the duo celebrated Bode’s historic performance and her dedication to disability inclusion as the first authentically cast disabled performer to play Nessarose — Elphaba’s (Erivo) sister and a character who uses a wheelchair — in the Wicked musical’s 20-plus years. “Marissa took the role of Nessarose to new heights and brought authenticity to the role like never before,” Erivo said in the prerecorded video.Related StoriesMoviesAriana Grande, Cynthia Erivo Reveal First 'Wicked: For Good' Footage as Dorothy Makes DebutMovies'Wicked: For Good': Here's What We Know About Part 2“We were beyond thrilled to be a part of such a groundbreaking film and the inclusion it created for people with disabilities is going to open doors for...