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The fantasy melodrama “Wicked,” which was released in Ukraine at the end of November, has already made a splash in the film community. The adaptation of the famous Broadway musical, which is adored by Americans, has set impressive box office records and has every chance of becoming a new classic.

The movie takes the audience to the famous Oz. The green-skinned wizard Elphaba (played by Cynthia Erivo) enters the University of the Shires. Her roommate is the gentle Glinda (played by Ariana Grande). The students, who have different personalities, quickly find a common language. However, their friendship will be tested, and each will prove herself.

The ban in Kuwait

The world premiere of Wicked was not without scandals. In particular, the movie was banned from screening in Kuwait. According to Variety, the reason could be that the film features actors representing the LGBT+ community. Last year, the country canceled the distribution of the cult movie Barbie to protect “public ethics.” Back then, Kuwaitis even crossed the border to watch the movie.

That’s because Kuwait has become the strictest country in the Gulf when it comes to censoring films – even more so than Saudi Arabia. In 2023, Kuwait also banned the horror film Talk to Me because of the participation of a transgender actor.

Evaluation by the National Board of Film Critics and the Oscars

The blockbuster musical has started this year’s Oscar race with a major victory from the National Board of Critics, The Guardian reports. The film adaptation of the Broadway hit was recognized as the best film contender for the golden statuette. “Wicked” represents the pure magic that movies can bring to audiences,” said Annie Schulhoff, president of the National Board of Critics. “Every detail is beautifully crafted and designed, the actors are superb, and the music is unparalleled – all of which combine to create an experience like no other.

Wicked box office record

During the record-breaking Thanksgiving weekend in the United States, “Wicked” became the highest-grossing film at the U.S. box office based on a Broadway musical. The film has already grossed $214.3 million in its second weekend, surpassing the total gross of the 1978 classic musical Grease, produced by Paramount. It is expected that the final total of “Wicked” will reach just under $263 million.

The movie broke many records in its opening weekend, including the best grosses in the US ($112.5 million) and worldwide ($162.5 million) for a debut film based on a Broadway musical. Among all the musicals in the history of the American box office, “Wicked” has every chance to break into the top 5, which is headed by Warner Bros. “Barbie” ($636.2 million), “The Lion King” from Disney ($543.6 million), “Beauty and the Beast” ($504.4 million), “The Jungle Book” ($364 million) and “Aladdin” ($355.5 million).