The 2024 movie adaptation of the hit Broadway musical Wicked received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. However, as Out Magazine reports, a right-wing group called One Million Moms criticized the film for “pushing the LGBTQ agenda on families, especially children.”
The group signed a petition to boycott the film, but was defended by actress Kristin Chenoweth, who played Glinda in the original stage adaptation. He criticized the group by commenting on Out Magazine’s Instagram post, highlighting their intention to “spread hate”.
The petition claimed that the musical contained “an excessive amount of witchcraft and sorcery”, which could lead parents to stop taking their children to the movies. It also claimed that “not so much cross-dressing” and men having crushes on men would be surprising and would not send a positive message to parents and children.
Furthermore, the petition emphasized that Wicked is “a dark film that also promotes wokeness.”
The actress did not ignore the unnecessary hatred and called out this nonsense appropriately. “It’s called entertainment. Artistry,” he commented on the post. She said, “I’m a Christian woman (who) originated the role of Glinda and all the stupidity spewed out of hatred by these women. No, no, I can’t help it.”
Chenoweth then praised the latest Wicked musical – loosely inspired by Gregory Maguire’s eponymous 1995 novel – which stars Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. The OG Glinda actress said, “Anyone who wants to see girl power, go be damn wicked. On stage or in the movie theater.”
Many fans and news outlets have pointed out the film’s LGBTQ themes, and actresses Grande and Erivo have not denied them. When talk about their on-screen chemistry hit the internet, Grande positively reflected on the opinion during her interview with UK publication Gay Times that her character might be a little secretive.
Chenoweth echoed the Positions singer’s viewpoint and commented under the outlet’s post, “I thought so a long time ago when….” Additionally, in the source material, the story revolves around the deep relationship shared between Glinda and Elphaba, who even share a kiss at some point in the novel.
Wicked is available in theaters now.