‘Wicked’ Reportedly Banned in Kuwait Over LGBTQ+ Casting

Despite the fact that Wicked is undeniably “Popular,” the film won’t be making an appearance in Kuwait theaters any time soon.

According to a report from Variety on Wednesday (Dec. 4), the Jon M. Chu-directed musical adaptation has been removed from theater listings across Kuwait just days before its slated release in the country on Thursday (Dec. 5). This is not the first time the country has banned a popular film with short notice. Back in 2023, Kuwait’s government banned Barbie from being shown to protect “public ethics” in the country, and for portraying “ideas and beliefs that are alien to Kuwaiti society and public order.”

While public officials in Kuwait have yet to reveal a reason why the film was removed from cinemas, local media in the country have speculated that the ban is in regard to an unspecified LGBTQ+ character in the film and the film’s cast of LGBTQ+ actors. Cynthia Erivo, who stars as Elphaba, openly identifies as queer, as do co-stars Jonathan Bailey, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode and Bronwyn James.

Billboard has reached out to representatives for Universal Pictures, Republic Records and individual cast members for comment.

The news comes after a record-breaking debut for the film — thus far, Wicked has grossed $263.1 million in ticket sales in the U.S., and $359.2 million globally, making it the highest grossing film adaptation of a Broadway musical in history. The soundtrack, meanwhile, also made history with its No. 2 debut on the Billboard 200 — the highest first-week ranking for an adaptation of a stage musical in the chart’s history. The soundtrack also topped multiple Billboard charts, including Top Album Sales, Soundtracks and Vinyl Albums.