The beloved musical “Wicked” has stirred controversy with the introduction of trigger warnings for its U.K. performances, cautioning audiences about scenes depicting discrimination against a green-skinned woman and talking animals.
At a Glance
- The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) issued trigger warnings for “Wicked” due to discrimination themes
- Warnings highlight scenes where Elphaba, a green-skinned woman, is mocked and bullied
- The film received a PG rating, advising parental guidance
- Changes in character portrayals have led to criticism of the film being “woke”
- “Wicked” is anticipated to perform well at the Academy Award nominations
Trigger Warnings for Fantasy Discrimination
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has taken an unprecedented step by issuing trigger warnings for the upcoming film adaptation of the musical “Wicked.” The warnings specifically address scenes depicting discrimination against a green-skinned woman and the persecution of talking animals within the fantasy world of Oz.
“A green-skinned woman is mocked, bullied and humiliated because of her skin colour,” the BBFC stated in its warning.
A New Take on a Classic Tale
“Wicked” serves as a prequel to the beloved 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz,” delving into the backstory of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good witch. The film stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the green-skinned woman who becomes the Wicked Witch, and Ariana Grande as Glinda.
Director Jon M Chu has taken a fresh approach to the story, particularly in the portrayal of Munchkinland and its inhabitants. This new interpretation has not been without controversy, as some fans have noted significant changes from previous adaptations.
“We wanted [Boq] to come from a culture, and so we were trying to reinvent what a Munchkin is. In our eyes, Munchkin was not a size,” Chu said.
Controversy and Criticism
The introduction of trigger warnings and changes to character portrayals have led to accusations of the film being “woke.” Critics argue that these alterations and warnings are unnecessary for a fantasy story and may detract from the viewing experience.
Despite the controversy, “Wicked” is expected to be a major box-office hit for the fall season. The film is being released in two parts, with the second installment set to premiere next year. Industry insiders anticipate that the movie will perform well during the Academy Award nominations.
