Marissa Bode returns as Nessarose, now the Governor of Munchkinland in Wicked: For Good. She governs in her father’s place following his death and has been reshaped by her distance from her sister Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo). Her warmth has been replaced by restraint, and she clings to authority as the only thing she can trust.

Talking about the character, Bode says, “She’s ruling Munchkinland alone, and a lot of time has passed without contact between her and Elphaba. That distance hardens and hurts Nessa. She is trying to lead and to keep control, but she is angry and hurt. She has lost her family and feels left behind. Her strength has become a shield, and that need for control has started to close her off from everyone around her.”

Director Jon M. Chu gave Bode space to explore that conflict with honesty. “Jon creates an environment where you feel completely safe to go to the most vulnerable places. He knows when to step in and when to let you find it. In the heavier scenes, he never pushed. He gently guided with care and helped me connect to Nessarose in a deeper way.”

The role also carries personal significance for Bode, who has used a wheelchair since age 11 and who advocates authentic disability representation on screen. “The response from the disabled community has meant more to me than anything. People see themselves in Nessa because she is allowed to be complicated. She is not softened or simplified. She is flawed and emotional and still worthy of empathy. That honesty and representation matters, and to bring that to a story this size has been a dream.”