Many are curious about the BBFC’s classification of Wicked, which includes a green skin trigger warning in the UK. This decision has sparked discussion, with audiences questioning its connection to the film’s themes of acceptance and resilience.
Let’s explore the key details and context surrounding the BBFC’s classification and the inclusion of the “green skin trigger warning.”
Did Wicked get a ‘Green Skin Trigger Warning’ in the UK?
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has issued a trigger warning for the Wicked movie in the United Kingdom (via The Guardian).
It highlights scenes of discrimination against characters with green skin as potentially upsetting. This warning focuses on Elphaba, a central character, who faces bullying and mistreatment due to her green skin during childhood and at Shiz University. The BBFC noted these depictions, especially when her skin color is used to ostracize her, “may be upsetting and poignant for some audiences.”
The BBFC’s PG rating guidelines mandate clear disapproval of discriminatory behavior within the narrative. In 2021, researchers found that many parents appreciate content warnings for sensitive themes, such as racism and discrimination, to make informed choices (via The Daily Beast). The Wicked warning highlights scenes where characters mistreat a wheelchair user and persecute talking animals. These elements led to the film’s PG rating.
The trigger warning has sparked debate. Some commentators criticized it as overly sensitive, suggesting it could detract from the film’s impact. Others argued it aligns with the BBFC’s role in highlighting potentially distressing content. The story uses Elphaba’s green skin as a metaphor for exclusion and discrimination, emphasizing themes of prejudice and acceptance.
The Wicked adaptation stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. It tells a story of friendship, identity, and resilience. The BBFC’s warning reflects its commitment to helping audiences, especially younger viewers, navigate mature themes.
Wicked is now in theaters.
