Adam McKay Praises Wicked, Explains Why It Could Be ‘Banned’ In A Few Years

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As a cinephile who has been following the evolution of Hollywood for decades, I must admit that I am genuinely impressed by the boldness and audacity of “Wicked Part 1”. It’s not every day we see a big-budget studio film take such a clear political stance, especially one that delves into themes of fascism, radicalization, and oppression.

The first installment of “Wicked” is creating quite a stir in the U.S.! Directed by Jon M. Chu, this movie shattered box office records upon release and has maintained its success throughout the month that followed. Moreover, it garnered the attention of esteemed filmmakers such as George Lucas, who reached out to congratulate Chu, and Steven Spielberg, who watched the film with Chu for a post-viewing discussion. Now, Adam McKay shares his thoughts on the hit movie, offering an alternate viewpoint on its narrative and political undertones.

As a cinephile, I recently delved into the world of Wicked to share my thoughts, and I must admit, I was left thoroughly impressed by this cinematic masterpiece. While many have raved about the stellar performances by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, what truly captivated me was the film’s intricate storyline.

On a narrative standpoint, Wicked Part 1 ranks among the most revolutionary productions ever released by a major Hollywood studio. Although Part 2 leans more towards the mainstream, Part 1 boldly explores themes of radicalization in response to career pressures, fascism, and propaganda.

Many people who followed McKay hadn’t watched the film yet were taken aback to learn this. The main storyline of Wicked, which was largely concealed during the promotional campaign, primarily emphasized the remarkable musical presentations and world creation. While it’s enjoyable to witness the cast of Wicked dance and sing passionately, the film is fundamentally about marginalized groups (symbolized by talking animals) being discriminated against by the government (the Wizard of Oz and Madame Morrible).

McKay proposed that, given the movie’s progressive narrative, there’s a possibility it might face bans as the U.S. government leans more towards conservatism. He made this comment during an interview on X.

It seems likely that, if current trends continue, we might find the movie being prohibited within the next 3-5 years – a prospect that wouldn’t surprise me.

It’s still uncertain if this is true or not, but for now, the musical film “Wicked” appears to be garnering positive reviews from a variety of media sources. At present, it doesn’t seem that widespread criticism is an immediate concern. The movie’s allegorical approach allows its narrative to suggest real-world comparisons without explicitly endorsing political viewpoints about the real world. Director McKay likened its plot to movies such as “The Hunger Games” and “The Sound of Music,” which both convey political messages while still maintaining broad popularity.

It’s logical that Adam McKay would be attracted to the political views expressed in Wicked, given his recent filmmaking history which often tackles political issues. For instance, The Big Short criticized the big banks for causing the 2008 recession, Don’t Look Up humorously scrutinized the media and government’s handling of climate change, while Vice presented Dick Chaney as a key figure manipulating the War on Terror.

Although Wicked may not be as daring as McKay’s cinematic decisions, it certainly expresses a strong viewpoint that isn’t typical in mainstream blockbuster films. Here’s to hoping McKay is mistaken about its potential ban, and the message of Wicked reaches as many people as possible.

Currently, “Wicked Part 1” is being shown in cinemas across the country since it’s still running nationwide. If you’re a fan of this film, like Adam McKay, mark your calendars for November 21st, 2025, as that’s when “Wicked Part 2” will be released. For updates on other upcoming movies set to hit theaters soon, don’t forget to check our 2025 movie release schedule.

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2024-12-27 19:37