The widely anticipated film adaptation of “Wicked” is the subject of a cultural discussion. Kristin Chenoweth, a Broadway star, has spoken up to defend the film against a boycott coordinated by the hardline group One Million Moms.
This organization has established a petition asking parents to keep their children away from the film. They allege it promotes “the LGBTQ agenda” and accuse it of containing “a tremendous amount of witchcraft and sorcery.” Furthermore, they claim the film contains “not-so-discrete cross-dressing” and “men crushing on men.”
Chenoweth, who famously played Glinda in the Broadway musical in 2003, reacted vehemently on Instagram. She said, “Everyone knows the ‘one million Moms’ are just a few hundred. Maybe.” She highlighted that the picture is simply termed “entertainment.” Artistry.” Chenoweth, a self-identified Christian, criticized the organization’s stance: “I can’t help it: I try to love them nonetheless because they don’t grasp it.
Jon M. Chu directed the picture, which stars Ariana Grande as Galinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. Since its November 22 debut, it has had amazing box office success, with the strongest opening for a Broadway adaption in recent years.
The discourse surrounding “Wicked” extends beyond the boycott. Cynthia Erivo recently spoke with Gay Times about her Elphaba role and her complex connection with Galinda. She said, “I believe Elphie follows the wind. I believe she loves Glinda and loves love. They have a real relationship. It is genuine affection, which is presumably why people are shipping it.
Ariana Grande shared this idea, emphasizing the importance of their connection. “They build such a safe space for one another, which is what all relationships should be, romantic or platonic,” she told me.
Chenoweth’s message to potential moviegoers is clear: “If you want to see girl power, go see Wicked, ” on stage or at a movie theater.
