‘Wicked’ Could Be BANNED in the U.S. Within 3 to 5 Years, Director Claims

Director Adam McKay, the guy behind politically charged films like Don’t Look Up, just dropped a hot take that’s got people talking. According to McKay, the upcoming Wicked movie could be banned in the U.S. within three to five years thanks to what he sees as an increasingly conservative political shift. And yep, this statement is kicking off a bigger debate about censorship, artistic freedom, and how politics and entertainment are colliding harder than ever.

McKay’s Bold Prediction

In a recent interview, McKay didn’t hold back:

“What’s really striking about ‘Wicked’ is that it’s coming out NOW when America has never been more right-wing and propagandized. I wouldn’t be surprised if ‘Wicked’ is banned in three to five years if America keeps going on the track it is.”

Let’s just say that prediction landed like a fireball. Not only is McKay putting Wicked under a microscope, but he’s also throwing a spotlight on the challenges that progressive-themed films might face in today’s political climate.

Here’s how the Twitterverse (or X-verse, if you will) is reacting to this bold statement:

The Skeptics: There’s no shortage of eye-rolls on X. @ToTheWorld9 didn’t hold back, tweeting, “this is ridiculous. adam mckay is delusional. no one is banning wicked lmao.” It’s clear some users see McKay’s prediction as more of a cinematic stretch than a credible forecast.

The Chucklers: @TheIllegit took a lighter, albeit sarcastic, approach, sharing, “Lmao. I hadn’t seen what had started McKay discoursing about censorship. He claimed the movie Wicked could easily be banned very soon for being so radically lib.” This reaction underscores the disbelief many feel towards the notion of banning a beloved musical adaptation.

The Critics: Not everyone is laughing, though. @0SweetSolace0 offered a more biting critique, “adam mckay doesn’t understand movies either. Cuz I think Wicked is going to have more audience and not be banned at all. It’s going to reach more ppl via streaming and cable broadcast channels too. Mckay needs to be schooled by film buffs who are laughing at him,” suggesting McKay might be out of touch with how films resonate with audiences today.

The Concerned: On the flip side, there are those like @bassm67 who are taking McKay’s words to heart, tweeting, “Adam McKay Says ‘Wicked’ Could Be ‘Banned in 3-5 Years’ if ‘America Keeps Going on the Track It Is’ and ‘I Wouldn’t Be Surprised’ I’d rather see Civil War then such stupid, senseless & #Ignorance based #Political #Religious #Censorship #Bullshit #Fascist.” This user voices a worry about the creeping influence of politics on art, hinting at a broader conversation about freedom of expression.

The reactions on X paint a vivid picture of the cultural zeitgeist, reflecting a society divided not just on politics but on how art should intersect with it. While “Wicked” hasn’t even premiered yet, the discourse it’s already generating suggests that its release will be as much a cultural event as it is a cinematic one. Whether McKay’s prediction holds any water or not, one thing is for sure – it’s got everyone talking.

Fact-Checking McKay’s Claims

So, how much truth is there to all this? Let’s break it down:

McKay’s Statement:

His prediction has been reported across several media outlets, including Variety and The Daily Beast. The quotes are accurate and confirm McKay’s concerns about where the U.S. could be headed politically.

Wicked and Bans Elsewhere:

Here’s where things get interesting—Wicked faced a temporary ban in Kuwait over its cast, which includes openly gay actors. McKay might be looking at international precedents like this as a warning sign, even though the U.S. has no history of banning major films like this (yet).

The U.S. Political Climate:

McKay’s claim that America is “more right-wing” is subjective. Yes, there’s been a conservative push in some areas, particularly around education and certain cultural policies. But overall, the country is more politically divided than outright radicalized to one side.

Could Wicked Be Banned in the U.S.?

Right now, there’s no legislative movement suggesting Wicked would face a ban in the U.S. That said, cultural battles over media, books, and school content have become more heated, so the potential for regional censorship or backlash is… well, not impossible.

The Bigger Picture

Let’s be real: McKay’s warning isn’t just about Wicked. It’s about a much bigger question—how much creative freedom do we really have in an era where politics and entertainment are so intertwined?

Artistic Freedom:

Wicked deals with themes like otherness, discrimination, and standing up to oppressive systems. Depending on who you ask, these could either make it a celebrated cultural milestone or a lightning rod for controversy.

Public Reception:

Whether the film becomes a cultural rallying cry or just another entry in the endless culture wars, its release is shaping up to be a significant moment. How the public and critics respond will say a lot about where we’re at as a society.

Final Thoughts

Look, McKay’s prediction might sound alarmist—banning Wicked in the U.S. feels like a stretch right now. But his comments do highlight the growing tension between art and politics in America. Whether this is a true warning or just a reflection of cultural polarization, one thing’s for sure: Wicked’s release is going to be more than just a movie event. It might end up being a referendum on how far we’re willing to let politics shape our entertainment.

Let’s keep the conversation going. Do you think McKay’s prediction holds any weight, or is this just Hollywood fear-mongering? Drop your thoughts in the comments or hit us up on social media.

[Hat Tip: Variety]