The film adaptation of the beloved musical “Wicked” has not only enchanted audiences with its reimagined tale of Oz but has also sparked discussions about its political undertones. The narrative delves into themes of scapegoating and the dynamics of power, drawing parallels to contemporary political climates.
Director Jon M. Chu’s rendition of “Wicked” arrives at a time when societal divisions and the politics of scapegoating are particularly pronounced. The film’s portrayal of the Wizard, played by Jeff Goldblum, emphasizes the deliberate creation of enemies to unify the populace—a tactic reminiscent of historical and modern political strategies.
In summary, “Wicked” serves as a poignant reflection on the use of scapegoating in politics, resonating with current societal issues. However, the individual political affiliations of its cast are largely private, allowing the film’s narrative to stand as a commentary on broader themes rather than specific political endorsements.
In other words, they took the classic Wizard of Oz story and ruined it with a bunch of woke nonsense.
The “Wicked” film adaptation cast comprises individuals with varied backgrounds and public engagements. Here’s an overview of their known political affiliations and activism:
Ariana Grande (Glinda): Grande has been vocal on several social and political issues. She participated in the March for Our Lives rally advocating for gun control in 2018 and has supported Planned Parenthood by donating concert proceeds. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she contributed to relief efforts and joined protests against racial injustice. In 2021, she signed an open letter urging Congress to pass the Equality Act and partnered with BetterHelp to provide free therapy to fans. She also launched the Protect & Defend Trans Youth Fund in 2022, matching donations up to $1.5 million.
Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba): Erivo has used her platform to address social issues, particularly concerning race and representation. She has spoken out against offensive fan edits and AI-generated content that degrade her image, emphasizing the importance of authentic representation.
Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero): Bailey, an openly gay actor, has discussed the challenges of being openly gay in the entertainment industry and has advocated for LGBTQ+ representation.
Ethan Slater (Boq): Slater’s public political affiliations or activism are not extensively documented.
Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible): Yeoh has been involved in various humanitarian efforts, including serving as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme, focusing on global development and poverty eradication.
Peter Dinklage (Dr. Dillamond): Dinklage has been an advocate for the rights and representation of individuals with dwarfism, often speaking against negative stereotypes in media.
Jeff Goldblum (The Wizard of Oz): Goldblum’s public political affiliations or activism are not extensively documented.
Bowen Yang (Pfannee): Yang, as the first Chinese-American cast member on “Saturday Night Live,” has addressed issues of race and representation in comedy.
Marissa Bode (Nessarose): Bode, who uses a wheelchair, has emphasized the importance of authentic representation of disabled characters in media. She views her role in “Wicked” as a significant step for disabled community representation and encourages ongoing efforts to create inclusive spaces.