Fandom Fueled: How Rising Stars Are Redefining Representation and Fan Culture at Teen Vogue Summit
Written by Nasya Sijaya
Image courtesy of Michael Buckner
At this year’s Teen Vogue Summit, actors from Wicked, One Piece, Percy Jackson, My Life with the Walter Boys, and Wednesday sat down with Teen Vogue’s Kaitlyn McNab to talk about internet obsession, iconic roles, and the lessons they have learned from fandom.
I went into the Teen Vogue Summit expecting smart conversations and some behind-the-scenes stories, but I wasn’t prepared for how deeply the Fandom Fueled panel would resonate. Moderated by Teen Vogue’s Kaitlyn McNab, the session brought together a panel of breakout stars whose work spans genres and mediums: Marissa Bode (Wicked), Iñaki Godoy (One Piece), Leah Jeffries (Percy Jackson and the Olympians), Nikki Rodriguez (My Life with the Walter Boys), and Joy Sunday (Wednesday).
From mythology to manga, gothic mysteries to viral love triangles, these actors have stepped into beloved characters and the fan culture that comes with them. What followed their introduction was a candid, funny, and moving conversation about edits, expectations, and the power of representation.
On breakout moments:
When asked about their first taste of fandom fame, all roads led back to fan edits. Bode said she looks forward to them:“ Have I really made it if I haven’t seen an edit? I love seeing everyone’s interpretations.” Sunday admitted she loves“ reddit users,” while Rodriguez said she especially loves“ the TikTok edits.”
On why they do it:
Godoy shared the story of a child who approached him to say One Piece brought them happiness.“ I love seeing people happy, it makes me excited.” Jeffries remembered a young girl who told her that seeing someone like Jeffries playing Annabeth showed her“ she can be more strong.” She added that moment made her realize that she should continue doing what she loves.
On navigating pressure:
The panelists were honest about the challenges that come with being the face of beloved characters. Bode emphasized accountability, saying she relies on“ friends and family who hold her accountable and consistently remind her of her own morals.” Jeffries explained that she has kept balance by growing up with Annabeth, and still experiencing high school in between filming.
On learning from fandom:
Godoy said feedback matters deeply to him:“ [It’s] important to hear opinions.” He explained that longtime One Piece fans know every frame, and speaking with them helps him understand the material more deeply. Bode connected with edits that expanded on Nessa’s character and her yearning for autonomy, while Sunday said what struck her most was the cosplay and how meaningful it was“ just to have characters that look more like her.”
On lessons learned:
The conversation turned reflective as each actor shared what the journey has taught them. Rodriguez said,“ [It’s a lot of] being okay with not being so perfect, [and] learning every single day.” Jeffries said,“ It’s taught me a lot, and it’s taught me to be humble.” She added that she always wants to treat fans with respect. Godoy recalled advice from his father, who told him it was not just luck that landed him One Piece, saying “you create that luck, you build that opportunity.” And Bode motivated others:“ Encourage someone to use their voice [whether they have] a platform or not, but still use it cause it’s important… even if there’s doubt in your brain, and if it doesn’t work out, that’s okay.”
Looking ahead:
The panelists also teased what is next for their shows. Bode promised Wicked would be“ witchy, slay.” Godoy teased“ dinosaurs and giants” for One Piece. Sunday described Wednesday next season as“ hopeful, adventurous, and mysterious.” Jeffries said fans can expect“ strength, and beginning” from Percy Jackson, and Rodriguez summed up Walter Boys with“ growth, fun, change.”
Beyond the screen:
When asked about what they want to do more of and alternate careers, their answers showed surprising range. Bode said she would love to continue acting, pursue horror and coming-of-age films, and also“ be more involved in activism and organizing.” Joy Sunday said she would be a musician if not an actor. Jeffries said she wants to try roles that are girly and full of range, maybe even a superhero, but added that in another life she would have been“ a neurosurgeon or lawyer.” Godoy joked he would be a“ professional Minecraft player” and if not that then a professional Fortnite player. Rodriguez sweetly said she would have been a vet.
Advice for aspiring actors:
The panel closed with words for kids hoping to break into acting. Bode said“ just do it.” Godoy said,“ find a local theater to get started” and Sunday said,“ read, show range, show the narrative.”
Fan-submitted questions:
During the panel, the moderators also pulled questions directly from fans on Instagram, giving the conversation an even more personal touch.
When asked how it feels to represent so many intelligent Black girls on screen, Leah Jeffries said it feels like“ a true honor.” She explained,“ [I’m] excited and amazed, because Black girls have someone to watch.” Annabeth is someone who doesn’t give up, and Jeffries wants to properly represent that.
Nikki Rodriguez was asked who she would want as a guest star on Walter Boys and answered Viola Davis.
Joy Sunday fielded a lighter question about her initial reaction to wearing contacts for Wednesday and whether or not she got to meet Lady Gaga (who was a guest star in S2). She admitted they went through different pairs of colors before choosing the ones she has now and though she unfortunately was not able to meet Lady Gaga while filming, she was able to meet her later on.
Marissa Bode responded to a question about contributing to disability representation on screen. She reflected,“ being a part of that is really cool, and it only scratches the surface of being able to speak about the issues.” Her answer was encouraging even if you yourself are not disabled. If you aren’t mindful of your peers, challenge yourself to speak up about disability rights.
Walking out of the room, what struck me most was how much fandom is a two-way street. These actors may embody characters millions already love, but they are also learning, growing, and staying humble through the creativity, feedback, and passion of fans. The Fandom Fueled panel was not just about breakout roles. It was a reminder that fandom, at its best, is about connection, representation, and the courage to be seen.
