Filmmaker Adam McKay is no stranger to controversy. He has made some divisive films, like Vice and Don’t Look Up, and has been vocal about his political leanings.
Now McKay is speaking out about a popular Hollywood flick that he believes is on the verge of so much controversy that it could actually be banned in the conservative-leaning future.
McKay praised the Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo-led musical on social media earlier this week, but noted that its “radical” subject matter could very well see the film meet its end in future years.
McKay wrote on X:
“On a pure storytelling level Wicked Part 1 is right up there as one of the most radical big studio Hollywood movies ever made.
“I know Part 2 swings back to the center a bit but Part 1 is nakedly about radicalization in the face of careerism, fascism, propaganda.”
He went on to compare Wicked to other self-described “radical” films such as Bridge on the River Kwai, The Sound of Music, The Hunger Games, and Citizen Kane. Then he continued:
“What’s really striking about Wicked Part 1 is that it’s coming out NOW when America has never been more right wing and propagandized.
“And yes, I know the theatrical production and the book are much older so part of the timing is a coincidence but still…”
Based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel and the Tony award-winning musical, Wicked follows young witch Elphaba (Erivo) as she attends Shiz University.
While there, she befriends her roommate Galinda (Grande) and becomes a supporter of animal rights after she sees the creatures are being imprisoned and stripped of their jobs and speech capabilities.
When one X user commented their interest in seeing the film after learning of its subject matter, McKay wrote back, “I think you’ll be shocked. If America keeps going on the track it is I wouldn’t be surprised to see the movie banned in 3-5 years.”
He refused to back down on his assumption after a second user questioned just how far he believed a potential ban on the film would go.
“Jesus dude. You really think I’m 100% saying the movie will for sure be banned to the point where no one can ever see it?” McKay wrote. “The idea of shutting down non profits at the President’s discretion is in motion. Things r changing fast.”
Wicked isn’t only about government censorship, but also about friendship, and someone finding their destiny amid hardship. It is a beautiful musical, and it deserves its audience. Hopefully movies and all expressions of our right to free speech will remain unaffected moving forward.
via: EW
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