Kuwait Bans Film Adaptation of Wicked

The film adaptation of the Broadway musical 'Wicked' has been banned in Kuwait just before its scheduled release, reportedly due to its LGBTQIA+ cast, including lead actresses Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. The film, directed by Jon M. Chu, has achieved significant box office success in North America, grossing over $114 million in its opening weekend. Kuwait is known for its strict film censorship policies, having previously banned other films like 'Barbie' and 'Talk to Me' for similar reasons. The ban aligns with the country's efforts to uphold 'public ethics' and 'social traditions' amid increasing scrutiny on LGBTQ representation. Despite the controversy, 'Wicked' has been celebrated globally, amassing over $366 million in total box office earnings since its release. The second part of the film is set to premiere in November 2025.