A New Chapter in the Wicked Universe
The latest release, Wicked: For Good, is a two-hour fantasy film that delves into the world of witches, yet surprisingly lacks any magical elements. This unique approach has sparked discussions about the need for trigger warnings to prepare audiences for what they might encounter on screen.
Cinema-goers are being advised to mentally prepare for scenes where characters “cast magical spells on one another.” The film, starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, serves as a sequel to last year’s hit Wicked, which was inspired by the 1939 Judy Garland classic. Prior to its release, viewers were warned about scenes involving a green-skinned character facing “discrimination.”
Fans of the Wicked franchise, which draws inspiration from Frank Baum’s 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, are now being cautioned about cyclones—perhaps a warning Dorothy could have benefited from when she was transported from Kansas to Oz.
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has given the Hollywood adaptation of the long-running West End and Broadway musical a PG rating, indicating that all ages are welcome with parental guidance recommended.
Characters and Themes
Wicked explores the backstories of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, portrayed by Ms. Erivo, and Glinda the Good, played by US singer Ms. Grande. The film expands on the characters introduced in the original novel, which was adapted into the classic film.
The BBFC warns on its website that “occasional threatening scenes include people caught by falling debris in a cyclone and fantastical creatures rampaging through a crowd.” It also notes that “characters also use guns and cast magical spells on one another.” Referring to the iconic moment when the Wicked Witch is vanquished, it states, “It is implied that a character melts when doused in water.”
The Sequel’s Tone and Reception
The sequel to Wicked was released this weekend and is darker in tone than the first film, which earned ten Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. Ms. Erivo and Ms. Grande also received Academy Award nominations for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress respectively.
Last month, Amazon faced criticism for adding trigger warnings to almost all James Bond films, with some flagged for “womanising.” This has led to further debates about the necessity and appropriateness of such warnings in different contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did the British Board of Film Classification add a trigger warning for ‘discrimination’ in Wicked?
- What is the controversy surrounding the ‘green-skinned woman’ in Wicked and its new trigger warning?
- Does Wicked: For Good successfully blend the charm of the original Wizard of Oz with its darker, emotionally charged narrative?
- How does Ariana Grande feel about unveiling Wicked: For Good, the thrilling prequel to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz?
- Is the star-studded Wicked film set to captivate audiences with its two-part release featuring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo?
