Featured Image Credit: Sony
Topics: Wicked, Ariana Grande, Politics
Stefania Sarrubba
Director Adam McKay has offered a radical take on Wicked, sharing his fears the movie and its hotly-anticipated sequel could be banned soon in the US.
Starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as Elphaba Thropp and Galinda Upland respectively, Wicked is an adaptation of the musical of the same name and serves as a prequel to the events of The Wizard of Oz.
Directed by Jon M Chu and written by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox, the musical telling the story of the two witchy frenemies has garnered positive reviews and four nominations at the Golden Globes.
Following the success of Wicked Part 1, McKay, known for directing The Big Short and Don’t Look Up, has shown his appreciation for the musical and how the story emerges as an antifascist parable.
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This becomes apparent in the last moments of the movie. In the finale, the two witches — who will go on to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good — meet the fraudulent Wizard of Oz, played by Jeff Goldblum, and learn he holds a tyrannical rule over the people of Oz.
"On a pure storytelling level Wicked Part 1 is right up there as one of the most radical big studio Hollywood movies ever made,” McKay wrote on Twitter on 24 December.
"I know Part 2 swings back to the center a bit but Part 1 is nakedly about radicalization in the face of careerism, fascism, propaganda,” he continued.
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In a follow-up post, McKay noted: “What’s really striking about Wicked Part 1 is that it’s coming out NOW when America has never been more right wing and propagandized.
"And yes, I know the theatrical production and the book are much older so part of the timing is a coincidence but still…"
According to the filmmaker, Wicked Part 1 may not thrive in the current political climate in the US.
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As US president-elect Donald Trump is readying to be sworn in for his second mandate in January, McKay has shared his dystopian prediction that Wicked Part 1 may be banned over its themes under Trump's presidency.
"I think you’ll be shocked," McKay replied to a Twitter user. "If America keeps going on the track it is I wouldn’t be surprised to see the movie banned in 3-5 years.”
Wicked Part 1 is currently in cinemas. Part 2, titled Wicked: For Good, will be released in November 2025.