As a lifelong theater enthusiast who grew up with the original cast recording of “Wicked” as my comfort blanket, I must say this latest controversy over the film adaptation has left me quite bewildered. I remember the first time I watched the Broadway show, and it was a magical experience that opened my eyes to the beauty of diversity and the power of female friendship.
Last week, on December 11, 2024, there were reports about a campaign encouraging people to avoid watching the movie “Wicked“. This campaign was initiated by the conservative organization, One Million Moms, who are recognized for their attempts to prevent media content they deem unsuitable for children.
Critics contend that the film encourages occult practices such as witchcraft and sorcery, a concern they have due to its potential impact on young viewers. The group also expresses reservations about the portrayal of LGBTQ+ themes in the movie, which has been met with additional criticism from some quarters. However, it’s worth noting that this controversy stems primarily from conservative views regarding these topics as being inappropriate for younger audiences.
The petition states that the movie portrays characters who dress as members of the opposite sex and displays male characters expressing affection for one another. Additionally, it is noted that some of the film’s leading actors are openly part of the LGBTQ+ community or have publicly shared their queer experiences. This is considered a concern by One Million Moms.
Some individuals are voicing disapproval towards Universal Pictures, claiming that their attempts to “promote” the LGBTQ+ lifestyle may be inappropriate. They encourage others to refrain from watching a particular movie, believing it could expose children to potentially harmful material.
Kristin Chenoweth, known for her role as Glinda in the Broadway adaptation of “Wicked”, has voiced her thoughts on the ongoing petition through an Instagram post. She underscores that the film is a creative expression and should be appreciated as a tribute to female empowerment. As a Christian woman, she doesn’t align with the petition’s viewpoints but endeavors to grasp the reasoning behind it.
It’s worth noting that One Million Moms, an organization often cited, traces its roots back to the American Family Association (AFA), a traditional group deeply rooted in Christian values. Historically, the AFA has shown resistance towards the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and same-sex marriages.
The collective has openly expressed concerns regarding contemporary Paganism. In numerous pieces released in October 2024, the AFA argued that contemporary Paganism is increasingly prevalent within our society, citing films such as Wicked as evidence of this expanding phenomenon.
Linda Harvey, head of the AFA, contends that Paganism, on the rise, poses a threat to our society. Her viewpoint is that this religious practice promotes excessive personal pleasure and can result in issues like the inappropriate sexualization of minors.
Harvey posits an association between Pagan ideologies and the unfortunate school shootings that have transpired. She argues that there is a tangible correlation between such occurrences and the increasing prevalence of Paganism within American society. The One Million Moms’ petition, in part, shares this perspective, contending that productions like Wicked and other media platforms validate lifestyles they perceive as detrimental.
The group asserts that Universal Pictures disregarded the moral principles of Christian households by advocating certain themes, which has led them to refuse supporting the movie “Wicked” and any future projects from Universal Pictures because of the questionable content.
Regardless of any disagreements, the film has proven to be a significant success at the box office, raking in an impressive $112.5 million domestically and approaching $400 million globally. It has now surpassed Grease as the highest-grossing Broadway musical adaptation.
The follow-up to “Wicked” is set to hit cinemas on November 21, 2025, and it seems the debate surrounding the movie isn’t likely to die down anytime soon as the next chapter approaches. On one hand, One Million Moms are gathering signatures for their petition due to concerns about witchcraft and LGBTQ+ content. On the other, audiences continue to fill theaters, demonstrating that “Wicked” has earned a significant following despite any negative response, which is truly remarkable.
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2024-12-17 16:14