Wicked' is feared to be the latest major Hollywood release to be banned in Kuwait, where last year 'Barbie' was pulled protect 'public ethics'

Wicked has reportedly been banned from theaters in Kuwait, with some believing the cause to be related to the film’s many LGBTQ cast members. According to a report from Variety, the film has been removed from cinema listings in the country just a day before it was set to release.

The box-office behemoth boasts a large cast of LGBTQ+ actors, including Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey and Bowen Yang.

Though Kuwait’s Information Ministry has yet to release an official statement, local media speculate that the reported ban is on account of an unnamed gay character.

Wicked” has been banned in Kuwait, in the Middle East, on the eve of its local theatrical release, Variety has confirmed. “Wicked” is the latest Hollywood import to be banned in Kuwait. The Gulf state previously banned “Barbie” to protect “public ethics.