Why did Adam McKay say Wicked could be banned in the coming years? Explained

While Wicked is already on a glorious path with all the Oscar buzz surrounding it, veteran director Adam McKay thinks that it is one of the most radical mainstream movies in years, and faced with the current scenario of American politics, it may as well end up banned in a few years.

The Jon M. Chu directorial portrays Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) as a victim of discrimination due to her skin color, which eventually takes her down a different path from her friend and co-student, Glinda (Ariana Grande). The topic and its depiction, especially Erivo's casting in the role, had already generated some controversy before.

Now, Adam McKay, who is no stranger to political commentaries in his movies, has claimed in a new post on his X handle that the radical depictions in Wicked may lead to it being banned in the next three to five years. He believes this could be the case because of the radical right-wing uprising in America. He also claimed that the country has "never been more right-wing and propagandized."

While this may not be the case, the topic, the depictions, and the approach of the movie may still be the subject of some criticism by a large part of the population.

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What did Adam McKay say about Wicked?

Adam McKay, who is known for his works like Don't Look Up and Vice, took to X handle to comment on Universal's latest entry Wicked, which has perhaps become one of the most discussed movies of the year.

But the element that McKay discussed was the movie's radical approach, which may soon be out of place if America continues to head on the path it currently is in.

Adam McKay wrote:

"On a pure storytelling level ‘Wicked Part 1’ is right up there as one of the most radical big studio Hollywood movies ever made. 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 added:

"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…"

Finally, he added, replying to a fan:

"I think you’ll be shocked. If America keeps going on the track it is I wouldn’t be surprised to see the movie banned in 3-5 years."

While McKay's concern may come true in the future, it is still far from so as the movie is on its way to the Oscars. It is expected to be nominated for Best Picture, among other awards in the coveted ceremony.

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What is Wicked about?

Wicked is a musical fantasy film based on the stage musical of the same name, which is in turn based on the 1995 novel. The novel is also based on the Oz books and the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. The first part of the movie, which was released on November 22, 2024, covers the first act of the play.

It follows Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West, and how she ended up being the fearsome figure she was. It also delves into her friendship with fellow classmate Galinda, the future Glinda the Good. The synopsis for the movie reads:

"Misunderstood because of her green skin, a young woman named Elphaba forges an unlikely but profound friendship with Glinda, a student with an unflinching desire for popularity. Following an encounter with the Wizard of Oz, their relationship soon reaches a crossroad as their lives begin to take very different paths."

The film stars Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum, besides Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.

The sequel, Wicked: For Good, is set to premiere in November 2025.