Don’t Look Up director Adam McKay has sparked controversy by predicting that Wicked could be banned in the US due to the country’s current political trajectory. In a recent tweet, McKay called Part 1 of Jon M. Chu’s blockbuster musical “one of the most radical big studio Hollywood movies ever made.” He argued that the film’s themes of radicalization and fascism align with America’s current right-wing trend.
McKay pointed out that even though Wicked was initially released as a Broadway production years ago, its release now coincides with a shift in America’s politics. The director compared Wicked to classic films like The Sound of Music and Citizen Kane, which also addressed themes of conformity and societal pressure.
McKay drew parallels between the US’s increasing censorship of books and songs after 9/11, stating that the country has “never been more right wing and propagandized.” He included a link to an article about Texas school district book bans, highlighting the growing trend of suppressing certain content in American society.
The director also addressed criticism from users who dismissed his claim as an exaggeration. McKay clarified that while he didn’t think Wicked would be banned nationwide, he believed it was possible due to the shifting cultural landscape and the increasing influence of right-wing ideologies.
Wicked, which stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, will be released in theaters on November 21, 2025. The film’s second half is expected to swing back towards the center, but McKay believes that its themes and tone are more radical than most Hollywood productions.
Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/adam-mckay-dont-look-up-wicked-ban-america-b2669788.html