‘Wicked’ Movie Instagram Post Sparks Backlash, Gets Deleted Over Israel Screening Controversy

NBC’s upcoming musical special, Wicked: One Wonderful Night, has stirred strong reactions online after fans discovered it might be shown in Israel.

The two-hour event, produced by NBC and Universal, is a lead-in to the sequel, Wicked: For Good, and features performances by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, along with exclusive footage and new songs from the movie.

The special was filmed at the Dolby Theatre and is set to air in the U.S. on November 6, with streaming on Peacock the following day, according to NBC and Universal promotional materials. These materials highlight the celebration of the musical, its stars, and the upcoming film, not politics.

However, posts began circulating on Instagram, Threads, and other fan networks suggesting the broadcast would also be shown in Israel.

Fans quickly reacted, sharing screenshots and calling for the screening to be canceled. The posts ranged from personal disappointment to organized calls for action.

Some users expressed concern over the timing in relation to ongoing events in the Middle East, while others argued that a cultural event like Wicked should not be screened in a way that could be seen as taking a political side.

NBC and Universal have not responded publicly to the backlash. The incident shows how quickly social media can amplify fan reactions, even for entertainment events intended as purely celebratory.

The final #WickedForGood trailer is here ✨ Watch now. pic.twitter.com/P9UPa4B1Rx

— Wicked: For Good (@wickedmovie) September 24, 2025

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