Reports emerged yesterday (December 5) suggesting that Wicked had faced bans in select territories just weeks after its record-shattering release. Here’s what we know.
The Legacy of Wicked
Wicked isn’t just another musical; it’s a cultural tour de force. Since its Broadway debut on October 30, 2003, at the Gershwin Theatre, the show has enchanted millions with its dazzling performances and reimagined take on the classic Wizard of Oz narrative.
Boasting a remarkable score by Stephen Schwartz and a compelling book by Winnie Holzman—both of whom returned to shape the film adaptation—Wicked explores the untold story of Oz’s most misunderstood characters: Elphaba (the future Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda (the beloved Good Witch). Adapted from Gregory Maguire’s bestselling novel, the story dares audiences to reconsider everything they thought they knew about good, evil, and the shades of gray in between.
Broadway Origins and Iconic Moments
When Wicked premiered on Broadway, it united two powerhouse performers who left an indelible mark on musical theater: Idina Menzel as the fiery and determined Elphaba and Kristin Chenoweth as the charmingly ambitious Glinda. Their chemistry captivated audiences, with Menzel’s portrayal of Elphaba earning her a Tony Award for Best Actress.
The show’s unforgettable soundtrack—featuring iconic numbers like “Defying Gravity,” “Popular,” and the duet “For Good”—cemented its status as one of Broadway’s most beloved musicals.
Wicked: Part One Hits the Big Screen
Fast-forward two decades, and Wicked is still flying high, both on Broadway and in productions worldwide. Last week alone, the Broadway show brought in an impressive $2.9 million, according to Broadway World, proving its enduring appeal. The story’s leap to the silver screen, directed by Jon M. Chu, brought fresh magic to an already beloved tale.
Starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, Wicked: Part One premiered on November 22, 2024, to critical and commercial acclaim. The film smashed box office records for a Broadway musical adaptation, earning $112 million domestically and $162 million globally during its opening weekend. With a production budget of $150 million, the film has since amassed a staggering $378 million in global revenue.
The adaptation’s first installment ends with the soaring “Defying Gravity,” mirroring the Act One finale of the stage production. The anticipation for Wicked: Part Two, set to release on November 21, 2025, is already building. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande will reprise their roles, joined by Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero), Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible), Jeff Goldblum (The Wizard), and more.
Controversy in the Gulf States
Despite its success, Wicked has encountered challenges abroad. In Kuwait, the film appeared to have been banned just before its scheduled release, though it has since been reinstated in local cinemas. According to Variety, the initial concerns revolved around the film’s perceived LGBTQ+ representation.
Similar reports surfaced from Qatar. A Reddit user detailed their experience, sharing that they were informed of a sudden ban after purchasing tickets:
“I bought 2 tickets for Wicked today for Vendome at 4:00 pm at Novo Cinemas, and when I got there, they said my ticket is going to be refunded because the movie got banned in all of Qatar.”
Another user posted a screenshot from Novo Cinemas explaining the abrupt removal, citing “censorship issues.” Thankfully, the film has since returned to theaters in the region.
Box Office Rivalry
While Wicked enjoyed its reign at the box office, Disney’s Moana 2 (2024) entered the scene just ahead of Thanksgiving, pulling in a massive $225 million domestically over the five-day holiday period. Despite this, Wicked has proven resilient, reportedly outperforming Moana 2 in midweek earnings this week, according to Deadline.
A Marketing Masterstroke
Universal Pictures’ aggressive promotional efforts for Wicked have paid off. From captivating trailers to the stars’ omnipresence on social media and TV, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have become synonymous with the film’s magic. Positive reviews from critics and fans alike have laid the groundwork for an even bigger reception for Wicked: Part Two next year.
Have you experienced the magic of Wicked on the big screen yet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
