As a seasoned critic with years of experience under my belt, I must say that the recent discourse surrounding “Wicked” has been quite the rollercoaster ride. The film, already a global phenomenon, has managed to stir up a melting pot of opinions, from the heartwarming camaraderie between its stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande to the more divisive issues like theater etiquette and ableism.
Cynthia Erivo, who played a leading role in the movie “Wicked,” has voiced her opinions on various unfairness issues throughout the film’s promotional period. Lately, she has spoken out about the way her co-star Ariana Grande is being treated by the public. There have been many heated discussions online regarding the blockbuster musical, ranging from theater manners to controversial toy packaging copywriting. Even interviews involving Erivo and Grande have sparked much debate and meme creation. However, it appears that Erivo has recently addressed the unfair criticism that Grande is facing on social media.
I had the honor to address the audience at the Red Sea Film Festival, as reported by Variety. During my speech, I touched upon the cyberbullying Ariana Grande has experienced, both before and following the release of “Wicked.” In my own terms, I expressed that cyberbullying can be extremely harmful, stating that it’s all too simple to hide behind a computer screen and say things about someone you don’t truly know. While it’s uncertain if she was specifically referring to any bullying directed towards her fellow cast member, the message she conveyed was clear nonetheless. To combat cyberbullying, I proposed the following:
Instead of focusing on others’ perceptions, prioritize maintaining a positive outlook about yourself. The opinions someone who doesn’t know you holds are less significant compared to your self-perception.
The strong bond between Erivo and Grande has been one of the most heartening aspects of the movie’s premiere, spanning both backstage and on-screen performances. It’s no surprise at all that Erivo stood up for Grande against internet criticisms, given that the pop sensation had previously supported and championed Erivo herself. Their on-screen chemistry has sparked significant Oscar talk for both actors after the debut of Wicked, with fans eagerly anticipating performances from either star, despite encountering online negativity.
‘Wicked’ Has Been a Global Phenomenon (For Better or Worse)
Recently, there has been a lot of buzz surrounding “Wicked,” but not all of it pertains to the musical itself. Mattel is currently embroiled in a lawsuit due to an error that led to an adult website being accidentally listed on a toy’s packaging related to the film. A heated debate has emerged about proper theater behavior, particularly concerning audience members who sing along with the movie’s musical sequences. Moreover, Marissa Bode’s character Nessa has faced backlash due to her recent stance against ableism, as some fans have made inappropriate jokes unrelated to the character.
As a fellow film enthusiast, let me say it’s perfectly alright not to take a liking to a fictional character like Nessa. While many of us may have different feelings towards her, that’s absolutely normal and cool. To me, Nessa is a complex character, which makes her all the more intriguing. It’s perfectly okay if you don’t find yourself drawn to her as a character; everyone has their unique perspectives and that’s what makes our shared cinematic experiences so rich and diverse.
Jokes or remarks that target Nessa’s disability are profoundly disconcerting, as disabilities are real-life aspects, not elements of a story.
Indeed, it’s heartening to note that the discourse surrounding the phenomenal production of Wicked hasn’t been entirely gloomy. A recent announcement has put to rest speculations about pay disparities between the incredible talents Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, both being compensated equally for their remarkable work on this film. This affirmation serves as a testament to the fairness of the team behind Wicked, demonstrating that they’ve truly reaped the rewards of creating such an influential piece. However, it would be beneficial if we could collectively lower the volume on any negative chatter. After all, these are real individuals, not just the characters we see on screen, and their hard work deserves nothing but respect and admiration.
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2024-12-07 00:32