The highly anticipated musical adaptation Wicked has faced turbulence in Kuwait, where it was abruptly pulled from cinema listings just a day before its scheduled premiere. While Kuwait’s Information Ministry has yet to release an official statement, local media is rife with speculation that the alleged ban is tied to the film’s LGBTQ+ cast and themes.
This is not Kuwait’s first high-profile ban of a Hollywood blockbuster. Last summer, Barbie was prohibited for promoting “ideas and beliefs alien to Kuwaiti society and public order,” according to the state-run KUNA news agency. Although specific reasons weren’t disclosed, many pointed to the film’s vibrant aesthetics and tone. In a nation where homosexuality is illegal and punishable by imprisonment, such decisions often hint at cultural and legal restrictions.
Another notable example came in 2022, when Kuwait banned A24’s Talk to Me, citing the casting of nonbinary transmasculine actor Zoe Terakes.
Why Wicked?
Theories around Wicked’s removal focus on its perceived queer subtext and its openly LGBTQ+ cast. The film stars Cynthia Erivo, an out bisexual actress, as Elphaba, and Ariana Grande as Glinda. Other LGBTQ+ actors, including Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero), Bowen Yang (Pfannee), and Marissa Bode (Nessarose), also play significant roles.
Bailey, who portrays the charming and potentially bisexual-coded Fiyero, has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights since coming out in 2018. Similarly, Yang, known for his comedic talents, adds flair to the character of Pfannee, while Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba adds depth to a story beloved by queer audiences for its themes of otherness and belonging.
Even if Wicked does not explicitly feature LGBTQ+ characters, its campy aesthetic and queer-coded undertones may have been enough to prompt censorship in a region with strict laws on representation.
Despite its setback in Kuwait, Wicked continues to thrive globally, captivating audiences with its striking visuals, stellar performances, and emotional resonance. Fans in other regions are celebrating its unapologetically queer essence and the layered friendship of Glinda and Elphaba, which has long held special meaning for LGBTQ+ viewers.
Could the magical camaraderie between Glinda and Elphaba be too dazzling for conservative audiences? Perhaps. Regardless, Wicked remains an enduring story that resonates with those who feel out of place and long for acceptance – making it a timeless favourite among queer fans worldwide.
