Adam McKay Suggests Wicked Could Face Bans in Coming Years; ‘America Has Never Been More…’

As a seasoned film enthusiast who’s witnessed the evolution of cinema since the black-and-white era, I can confidently say that Jon M. Chu’s Wicked is one of the most daring and groundbreaking films to emerge from Hollywood in recent memory. The way it fearlessly tackles themes of radicalization, careerism, fascism, and propaganda is nothing short of revolutionary.

Adam McKay, famed filmmaker behind impactful movies such as Don’t Look Up, expresses his personal insights regarding the possible enduring impact of Jon M. Chu’s Wicked.

On a now-known platform (previously Twitter), McKay lauded the musical adaptation as “one of the most groundbreaking Hollywood films ever produced by a major studio.” He commended the initial segment for its brave narrative and ideas, labeling it as “openly discussing radicalization in the context of careerism, fascism, and propaganda.

McKay further pointed out similarities between the film and other groundbreaking works like “The Sound of Music”, “The Hunger Games”, and “Citizen Kane”. He maintains that these films, much like Wicked: Part 2, carry revolutionary narratives. However, he acknowledges a return to traditional elements in Part 2, but reaffirms his belief that Part 1 is a trailblazing cinematic masterpiece.

McKay connects the themes in Wicked to the contemporary political and social climate of America. He points out that the film’s debut coincides with a period when the nation “has arguably never been more conservative and heavily influenced by propaganda,” yet he also recognizes that the musical’s stage presentation and underlying storyline precede recent events.

In a worry about how Wicked could be perceived in the future, McKay implied that the film might not hold up well in today’s increasingly divided United States. He even predicted that, if the nation keeps moving along its current path, he wouldn’t be shocked if the movie was banned within 3-5 years.

In reaction to a user who initially thought the movie was just a tale of fantasy, they reconsidered their opinion upon discovering its more profound underlying messages.

In his following responses, McKay clarified his viewpoint that “Wicked” is seen as revolutionary. He explained it as an exploration of the repercussions when one questions established social rules and power structures.

The tale centers around Elphaba, portrayed by Cynthia Erivo, a young lady who’s been discriminated against due to her green complexion. This character finds herself at odds with the Wizard of Oz. Simultaneously, Glinda, played by Ariana Grande, struggles with her yearning for popularity and her involvement in more profound ethical dilemmas.

In simpler terms, McKay expressed that he wasn’t critiquing the movie, but instead, offering his viewpoint having seen it. Another user brought up the question about the feasibility of his prediction for a ban, indicating that censorship is more likely to occur sporadically rather than broadly.

McKay countered briskly, “Hey man, you’re assuming I’m absolutely predicting that the film will be completely outlawed, to the extent that nobody could ever watch it? I’m referring to broader shifts in society and the growing apprehensions about free speech in today’s context.

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2024-12-27 12:23