‘Wicked’ Movie Instagram Post Removed After Fans React to Israel Screening

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NBC’s upcoming Wicked special, Wicked: One Wonderful Night, sparked controversy online after fans reacted to posts suggesting it would be screened in Israel.

The two-hour event, promoted as a celebration of the musical and a lead-in to the sequel Wicked: For Good, is set to feature performances by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande along with exclusive film footage. The show was filmed at the Dolby Theatre and is an official NBC/Universal production.

Via Instagram

Once promotional posts appeared on Instagram, Threads, and other social media platforms, fans quickly began circulating screenshots claiming the special would air in Israel.

Some users called for a boycott or demanded that the screening be canceled. NBC and Universal describe the special as a showcase of music, film clips, and star performances, not a political statement. The event is scheduled to broadcast on November 6, in the U.S., with streaming on Peacock the following day.

The social media backlash was swift, with posts ranging from personal disappointment to calls for organized action. Some fans raised concerns about the timing in relation to ongoing events in the Middle East, while others said a cultural event of this scale shouldn’t be shown where it might be interpreted as taking sides.

The official teasers and trailers posted by NBC and Universal focused on the music and performances. Despite the intent to highlight the film and its stars, online discussions quickly turned political, showing how sensitive global issues can affect fan reactions to entertainment events.

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