While Wicked adds a new layer to the world of Oz and its troubles, the hit movie adaptation has become the recipient of a unique trigger warning. The 2024 adaptation of the celebrated stage musical based on L. Frank Baum's works retells The Wizard of Oz from the perspective of the Wicked Witch of the West. The Wicked cast includes Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande-Butera as Elphaba and Galinda, two rival classmates-turned-best friends who would become the Wicked Witch and Good Witch, respectively.
With Wicked defying box-office records in theaters, the movie has received an unprecedented warning from the BBFC in the UK in a new update to its website. The film does not shy away from tackling mature themes through the plight of the animals of Oz amid growing tensions and Nessarose's (Marissa Bode) experiences with discrimination due to her being in a wheelchair. However, an additional disclaimer has been issued for scenes where "A green-skinned woman is mocked."
discrimination
A green-skinned woman is mocked, bullied and humiliated because of her skin colour. A disabled woman in a wheelchair is treated in a condescending manner by able-bodied people. Talking animals are persecuted in a fantastical society.
This relates to Elphaba's struggle, as she faces discrimination from strangers and loved ones for her unusual green skin, something she spends the earlier moments of the movie grappling with.
How Wicked Handles The Major Themes
The Movie Has Received Many Updates From Its Stage Show
Themes of racism, discrimination, and the fight against all forms of oppression have long been a part of Wicked, dating back to Maguire's 1995 novel which the musical was based upon. While many elements and events were changed and condensed, the author collaborated with the musical's writer, Winnie Holzman, to develop the story for the stage that would later be the basis for the movie. With this process, many elements were grounded, creating clearer parallels to real-world struggles that the novel already held.
Oz's History In Wicked Explained
The Land of Oz is one of the most iconic fantasy regions in fiction, and 2024's new Wicked movie provides an all-new history for the area.
With its transition from stage to screen, Wicked received further refinements and layers, as there is a notable intensity in how the people of Oz discriminate against Elphaba for her skin. This is both before she is scapegoated as a villain and after, through changes in lyrics, calling on the authorities to execute her rather than simply asking for her capture.
Hence, this makes Elphaba's victories over those who'd bring her down feel more impactful.
Both Dr. Dillamond (Peter Dinklage) and Nessarose's treatment are also amplified within the movie, from the terrifying reveal of the graffitied chalkboard to how Nessarose is forcefully wheeled away to her and Elphaba's protests. The movie doesn't shy away from its key themes and takes care to create a frightening, uncomfortably real depiction of an Oz that has been dictated by the whims of cruel and inept rulers desperate to maintain control.
Our Thoughts On Wicked's Deeper Subtext And Theming
The Movie Is Careful With Its Exploration Of Discrimination
With how Wicked changes and adds new dimensions to its characters and brings more of its subtext to the forefront, it is unsurprising to see additional warnings added to its BBFC certification. For many, the characters' experiences are all-too-real occurrences despite being coded in more fantastical situations. Hence, this makes Elphaba's victories over those who'd bring her down feel more impactful.
Why Elphaba Decides To Stay Green In Wicked
In Wicked, Elphaba hopes to change her green skin, but throughout the film, she realizes that this isn't what she really wants and accepts herself.
As such, while the rating may be unusual to see, it feels appropriate to issue it to a movie that takes care in handling its subtext and themes. With the careful adaptation seen throughout its first part, many may now wonder how the movie will handle its darker moments when Wicked Part 2 arrives in 2025.
Wicked Part 2 releases in theaters on November 21, 2025.
Source: BBFC
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Wicked
Wicked adapts the Broadway musical into a two-part film, following the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, born with green skin, and Glinda, a popular aristocrat, in the Land of Oz. As they navigate their contrasting paths, they evolve into Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
- Director
- Jon M. Chu
- Release Date
- November 22, 2024
- Studio(s)
- Marc Platt Productions
- Distributor(s)
- Universal Pictures
- Writers
- Gregory Maguire , Winnie Holzman , Dana Fox , L. Frank Baum
- Cast
- Cynthia Erivo , Ariana Grande , Michelle Yeoh , Jeff Goldblum , Jonathan Bailey , Ethan Slater , Marissa Bode , Bowen Yang , Bronwyn James , Keala Settle , Peter Dinklage , Aaron Teoh , Grecia De la Paz , Colin Michael Carmichael , Adam James , Andy Nyman , Courtney Mae-Briggs , Sharon D. Clarke , Jenna Boyd
- Character(s)
- Elphaba Thropp , Glinda Upland , Madame Morrible , The Wizard , Fiyero Tigelaar , Boq , Nessarose Thropp , Pfannee , ShenShen , Miss Coddle , Doctor Dillamond (voice) , Avaric Tenmeadows , Gilligan , Professor Nikidik , Glinda's Father , Governor Frexspar Thropp , Melena Thropp , The Midwife
- Runtime
- 160 Minutes
- Main Genre
- Musical
