Filmmaker Adam McKay has speculated that Donald Trump will ban the widely popular Wicked film if he is in power.
The Big Short director wrote on X on Monday that the film with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo was released at a time when the United States has “never been so right-wing and propagandized.”
“On a purely storytelling level, Wicked Part 1 is one of the most radical major Hollywood studio films ever made,” he wrote, before mentioning other films he placed in that category, such as Bridge on the River Kwai and The Sound of Music. and The Hunger Games.
“I know Part 2 swings back to the middle a bit, but Part 1 is purely about radicalization in the face of careerism, fascism and propaganda,” McKay said of the Wicked Witch of the West film.
“What really stands out about Wicked Part 1 is that it’s coming out NOW, when America has never been so right-wing and propagandized,” he continued.
“And yes, I know the stage production and the book are much older, so some of the timing is coincidental, but still…”
It was a major box office success, easily surpassing its $145 million budget.
The first part of the two-part film has already grossed more than $500 million.
Woke filmmaker Adam McKay has speculated that President-elect Donald Trump could ban the Wicked movie after coming to power
The film starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo was a big box office hit
Still, McKay seemed to think its success would ultimately draw Trump’s ire.
He shared that belief after another X user thanked him for the “alternative perspective.”
‘Real? Wow! I’m sorry I didn’t even think to see it when it was on here in Dublin,” the X-user replied. ‘It just seemed more American fantasy, franchise twist and CGI fare to me.
“I’ll have to see when it comes to streaming. Thanks for the alternative perspective,” he wrote.
McKay then responded that he thinks X-user will be “shocked.”
“If America stays on track, I wouldn’t be surprised if the film is banned within three to five years,” he wrote.
McKay claimed Trump is already considering closing nonprofits, noting: ‘Things are changing quickly’
The second part of the film will hit theaters in November 2025, with the first part likely streaming on Peacock early in the new year.
When another X user asked McKay for clarification, he seemed to target the future president.
“Do you really think I’m 100 percent saying the movie will be so banned that no one can ever see it again?” he asked rhetorically.
“The idea of closing nonprofits at the president’s discretion is in flux,” he claimed. “Things (are) changing quickly.”
Despite McKay’s fears, the second part of the film will be released in theaters in November 2025, and the first part will likely be available for streaming on Peacock early this year.