Film regulators slap Wicked with ‘discrimination’ warning over prejudice against talking animals, green-skinned witch

The BBFC warns parents that the film contains scenes where “a green-skinned woman is mocked, bullied, and humiliated because of her skin color.” Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, played by Cynthia Erivo, endures a troubled childhood in the story as a result of being ostracized for her appearance, reports The Telegraph.

The BBFC also highlights that “talking animals are persecuted” in the magical world of Wicked. The organization summarizes the film as "an aspiring sorcerer finds acceptance at a magical school until higher authorities try to misuse her powers. This adaptation of the popular stage musical explores themes of friendship and prejudice.”

Hype around Wicked has been huge, with some critics likening the anticipation for its release to the media sensation surrounding Barbie in 2023. However, promotional events have also drawn online criticism for what some fans saw as weird behavior of stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. In one interview, Erivo grew emotional during an interview when told fans found empowerment in the lyrics of Defying Gravity, prompting Grande to gently hold Erivo’s hand in a supportive gesture.

The movie, now showing in cinemas, is based on the hit stage musical inspired by Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. This reimagines the land of Oz from the perspective of the antagonist in the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz, itself adapted from L. Frank Baum’s 1900 children’s book.