Sad reason Wicked has been hit with 'trigger warning' for viewers

Despite being a magical musical aimed primarily at younger audiences and children, the on-screen adaptation of Wicked has been slapped with an unexpected 'trigger warning'.

The movie has been registered as a PG in the UK (meaning parental guidance is advised), as the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) believe one heartbreaking aspect of the 2-hour-41-minute storyline could upset some viewers.

The film version of the Broadway hit was announced all the way back in 2012, but after severe delays - and the fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic - it was repeatedly pushed back.

Twelve years later, however, and we finally have our movie, with musical theatre veteran Cynthia Erivo and US hit-maker Ariana Grande taking on the two central roles of Elphaba (who later becomes the Wicked Witch of the West), and Glinda (the Good Witch).

Despite landing on the silver screen almost a century after The Wizard of Oz, the star-studded flick actually serves as a prequel to the events of the 1939 movie, which starred Hollywood legend Judy Garland as the beloved Dorothy.

Wicked - which was filmed in two parts, the second set to be released in November 2025 - tells the tale of a deeply misunderstood Elphaba's school days, where she meets perky and popular Glinda.

Despite their differences, the pair soon become thick as thieves, with Glinda frequently defending her friend when she is judged over the colour of her green skin, and Elphaba seeing the heart behind her pal's more obvious beauty.

The film has been slapped with a trigger warning (Universal)

What many cinema-goers might not have expected, however, is that - despite being considered a musical fantasy - the film contains some truly heartbreaking moments.

So much so, that production bosses have issued British viewers with a trigger warning.

The official website of the BBFC - who are responsible for the national classification and censorship of films shown in cinemas - warns potential viewers with Wicked contains both 'mild threats' and 'discrimination'.

Their synopsis also reads: "An aspiring sorcerer finds acceptance at a magical school until higher authorities try to misuse her powers.

"This adaptation of the popular stage musical explores themes of friendship and prejudice."

Speaking to viewers ahead of the film's 22 November release, the firm explained that Erivo's character, Elphaba, is subjected to abuse because of the colour of her skin.

"A green-skinned woman is mocked, bullied and humiliated because of her skin colour," they explained, adding that there is also abuse that could be described as ableist.

The film contains 'mild threats' and 'discrimination' (Universal)

"A disabled woman in a wheelchair is treated in a condescending manner by able-bodied people."

This describes the cruelty that actress Marissa Bode's character Nessarose Thropp - Elphaba's younger sister - is subjected to from her schoolmates over her use of a wheelchair.

On top of this, the BBFC warned that the blockbuster sees 'talking animals persecuted in a fantastical society'.