Red Wing Post

Unpacking the Woke and DEI Themes in the New *Wicked* Movie:

The cast themselves explain it is a film celebrating DEI and wokeness targeting children

The film adaptation of *Wicked* is not just a retelling of a beloved story; it's an explicit statement on diversity, identity, and social justice, as articulated by its cast themselves. Here's how the film dives into themes often associated with the term "woke":

1. Racial Identity and Representation:
- With Cynthia Erivo stepping into the role of Elphaba, the film proudly showcases Black representation in a lead role traditionally portrayed by white actors. Erivo has stated that her interpretation of Elphaba is deeply personal, infusing the character with her own experiences as a Black, queer woman.

2. Queer Themes and Representation:
- The film embraces its queer theme more explicitly than ever. Both Erivo and other cast members like Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero) and Bowen Yang (Pfannee) bring their own identities into their performances, making *Wicked* a film that celebrates queer narratives. The actors have openly discussed the film's queerness, highlighting how the story of Elphaba and Glinda can resonate with the LGBTQ+ community, particularly through themes of otherness and ‘love beyond societal norms’

3. Intersectionality:
- *Wicked* in its new form examines the intersection of various identities—race, gender, sexuality, and disability. Marissa Bode's casting as Nessarose, who uses a wheelchair, adds another layer to this intersectional narrative. The film doesn't shy away from showing how these identities can compound the challenges characters face, reflecting real-world complexities.

4. Social Outcasting and Discrimination:
- The narrative of being ostracized for being different is central to Elphaba's story. By casting a Black actress in this role, the film amplifies the theme of racial discrimination, making a direct connection to contemporary discussions about systemic racism and colorism.

5. Challenging Binary Morality:
- The movie, like its source material, deconstructs the black-and-white morality of its predecessor, *The Wizard of Oz*. It asks viewers to question who decides what's "wicked" and why, a theme that parallels current debates on morality, justice, and the labeling of marginalized groups.

6. The Power of Allyship:
- Glinda's journey from a popular, privileged student to someone who uses her status to support Elphaba touches on themes of allyship. Ariana Grande, playing Glinda, has spoken about how this character's arc mirrors the importance of using one's privilege for advocacy, a core principle in many social justice movements.

7. Inclusivity in the Cast and Crew:
- Beyond the leads, the film boasts a diverse ensemble, reflecting a world where various marginalized identities are not just present but integral to the story. This commitment to diversity in casting and storytelling has been highlighted by the actors as a conscious decision to make the film a true reflection of today's world.

8. Empowerment and Defiance:
- The iconic song "Defying Gravity" has always been an anthem of empowerment, but in this context, it gains additional layers of meaning as a declaration of self-acceptance against societal pressures to conform, particularly resonant with queer and racial identity struggles.

By explicitly embracing these Woke and DEI themes, the cast of the new *Wicked* movie has positioned the film as an anthem championing them for children

They've turned what could have been a straightforward adaptation into a sexual and racial exploration of wokeness and DEI against societal norms

The majority of the advertising for Wicked targets children