Don’t Look Up writer-director Adam McKay fears that movies such as Wicked could be banned in the U.S. in the future with the way the country is headed.
“On a pure storytelling level ‘Wicked Part 1’ is right up there as one of the most radical big studio Hollywood movies ever made,” McKay wrote on X. “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.”
“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,” McKay continued. “And yes, I know the theatrical production and the book are much older so part of the timing is a coincidence but still…”
In a reply to another X user, McKay wrote, “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.”
Describing Wicked as “VERY radical, he compared the film to other “radical” Hollywood movies, including It’s A Wonderful Life and “Hunger games. That’s a big one. Incredibly left wing,” he wrote.
Wicked has been picking up Oscar buzz, including for star Ariana Grande. McKay describes her performance as “incredible. It’s as good a performance as you’ll find in any genre.”
The film has picked up Golden Globe noms for best musical/comedy and acting nominations for Cynthia Erivo and Grande.