‘Wicked’ Won’t Play in Kuwait Theaters, Local Media Speculates It’s Because of LGBTQ Cast
variety.com“Wicked” has been removed from cinema listings in Kuwait on the eve of its local theatrical release, Variety has confirmed, becoming the latest Hollywood import to be banned in the Gulf state.
The country previously banned “Barbie” to protect “public ethics.” Some local media have speculated that the decision was prompted by the fact that the Universal Pictures’ critically-acclaimed musical boasts an LGBTQ cast. “Wicked,” Jon M.
Chu’s bigscreen version of Broadway’s spin on “The Wizard of Oz,” premiered in the U.S. and Canada last week, and grossed over over $114 million in its first two days in North America alone.
Ariana Grande stars as Glinda, a role originated by Kristin Chenoweth, alongside Cynthia Erivo who stars as Elphaba. The cast is completed by Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum and Peter Dinklage.
