Wicked has reportedly been banned from theaters in Kuwait, with some believing the cause to be related to the film’s many LGBTQ cast members.
According to a report from Variety, the film has been removed from cinema listings in the country just a day before it was set to release. The report calls the issue an “evolving” one, with no specific reasoning laid out yet. However, Kuwait previously banned Barbie from showing in the country due to “public ethics” issues, and many believe Wicked could be getting the same treatment.
In 2023, Kuwait also banned the A24 horror film Talk to Me due to the film having a trans actor in its cast. The country hasn’t officially said anything on the matter, nor has anyone involved with Wicked or Universal, as of yet.
Wicked is available now in theaters
The Wicked movie is directed by Jon M. Chu from a screenplay written by the musical’s book writer Winnie Holzman. It is based on Maguire’s bestselling novel and the Tony-winning stage musical.
The ensemble cast is led by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who play Galinda Upland and Elphaba Thropp in the film, respectively. The rest of the cast includes Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar, Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard of Oz, Peter Dinklage as Doctor Dillamond, Bowen Yang as Pfannee, Keala Settle as Miss Coddle, Marissa Bode as Nessarose Thropp, Bronwyn James as ShenShen, Ethan Slater as Boq, and more.
“The film tells the untold story of the witches of Oz: Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power; and Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart,” reads the official synopsis. “The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths.” Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.”
Wicked: Part One is out now in theaters. The sequel, Wicked: Part Two, is currently set for November 21, 2025.
(Source: Variety)
