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Despite the weirdness and controversies, Wicked remains a cultural phenomenon with a robust and dedicated fan base. The pre-release buzz indicates that fans are eager to support the sequel regardless of the off-screen antics. Many industry insiders interpret the silence or absence from press as a calculated move, possibly to protect the film from further PR missteps that could overshadow the release.
Some speculate that the studio actively “shut down” media appearances to limit damage, although others believe that the stars’ behavior and health issues are genuine. The consensus leans toward the latter: Cynthia Erivo's voice loss and Ariana Grande's solidarity stance are more likely personal or health-related issues rather than orchestrated studio decisions.