AN Oscar-nominated director has turned heads for his laughable analysis of the beloved Wicked movie – as he fears a hidden meaning will see it banned for good.
The celebrated filmmaker didn’t get any applause when he described the blockbuster as radical left-wing propaganda.
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Adam McKay, the mind behind the 2021 film Don’t Look Up, shared his bizarre thoughts on the Wicked movie Monday.
In a thread on X, he described the movie musical starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo as “one of the most radical big studio Hollywood movies ever made.”
According to the director, Wicked is thinly veiled excuse to showcase “radicalization” in the face of careerism and fascism.
He compared the fantastical Wizard of Oz spin-off to industry-defining staples like The Sound of Music, Hunger Games, and Citizen Kane.
The director claims America is fighting unprecedented levels of “right wing” propaganda, making Wicked’s liberal plot a bold release.
McKay admitted the book has been out since 1995, so the story isn’t new, but nevertheless, he was left amazed by the “radical” middle finger.
He sparked a debate on the thread as followers were shocked by McKay’s analysis on the movie, which is marketed as a family film.
One person said he didn’t think twice about seeing the movie until seeing the director’s perspective.
“It just looked like more American fantasy, franchise-wringing and CGI faire to me,” he said.
McKay excitedly responded that the user would be “shocked” by the content if he sat for the film.
He then boldly said, “If America keeps going on the track it is, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the movie banned in 3 to 5 years.”
X users weren’t convinced by the director’s takeaway, and blasted him for his “overimportant” opinions.
“I saw the movie, and it’s none of these things,” one user said.
Another film buff blasted, “It’s a Wizard of Oz movie, don’t overestimate your importance.”
Wicked review: With magical casting this Wizard of Oz-based tale proves there is no place like the cinema
By Grant Rollings
(PG) 160mins – 4/5 stars
THIS Wizard Of Oz origins movie proves there is no place like the cinema.
If you want to be carried up and away to another reality, where animals talk, brightly dressed citizens dance in the streets and student sorcerers sing like angels, then get a ticket for this musical.
Wicked, based on the hit stage show, is far too monumental to be viewed on the small screen.
Emerald City towers magnificently, a Hogwarts-style university enchants at every turn and the final scene pulls you this way and that like a tornado.
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo seem born for the roles of Glinda Upland and Elphaba Thropp respectively.
Their stage, acting and musical CVs made them obvious choices, but it’s their emotional warmth for the characters which will keep you bewitched.
The film tells the story of how Glinda became the young Good Witch of the North and Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West.
The pink-obsessed and privileged Glinda is like something out of Mean Girls, but in Ariana’s hands she remains likeable when she could be annoying.
Cynthia bristles with the daily injustice faced by Elphaba, who is shunned for being green, and the oppressed animals.
The anger that is perfectly contrasted with Glinda’s blissful ignorance.
If any of that sounds a bit serious, don’t worry, it is not.
Director Jon M Chu, whose films include Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, handles everything with a deft comic touch.
There are plenty of knowing winks from the cast, with Bridgerton’s Jonathan Bailey excelling in this as the playboy prince Fiyero Tigelaar.
Adding to the fun are Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard of Oz and Michelle Yeoh as Elphaba’s magic lecturer Madame Morrible.
Unfortunately, in an effort to fulfil the heart’s desire of studio executives to make as much money from this as possible, Wicked will come in two parts.
This first one is two hours and 40 minutes, which is about as long as the entire stage show.
If the theatre version could fit every key scene into that time, I’m sure the film could have as well.
Wicked ends at a satisfying point in the story, which won’t compel you to see part two next November.
But there is little chance of audiences not wanting to come back for more.
Others said McKay’s description of the star-studded film made it sound “preachy and boring.”
“I thought my niece was a drama queen,” a different critic joked.
Despite its so-called hidden meaning, Wicked has enjoyed a shocking amount of success since its release.
As of Tuesday, the movie has earned $392.4 million in the US box office, making it one of the 50 highest-grossing movies of all time, Deadline reported.
Musical fans were left desperate for Act 2 of Wicked to be released, but they don’t have to wait much longer.
The director, John Chu, announced it would be in theatres next holiday season, on November 21, 2025.
