Hi there, Wicked fanatics. If you’ve read this far, it means you’re excited to see the new movie-musical extravaganza—probably really, really excited. After all, The Wizard of Oz prequel, told from the perspective of the witches before Dorothy and her ruby slippers landed on the premises, has been a global phenomenon basically from the moment it premiered on Broadway in 2003. No wonder you’re itching to sit in that comfy theater seat and belt out popular anthems like “Defying Gravity” and “Popular.”

But to paraphrase one of its many catchy songs, something controversial is happening in early Wicked screenings. After fans started singing right along with Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Galinda (Ariana Grande), many took to social media to vent their frustrations. The debate over proper movie-theater etiquette has been raging on TikTok and Reddit ever since, with fierce defenders on both sides of the issue. Now the executives behind the curtain at the largest theater chain in the country have put the kibosh on the unsolicited participation and issued a strict no-singing edict.

Read on to find out which theaters will be affected, what could happen if you defy this rule and what else you can expect on your trip to see Wicked.

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What do you need to know about this movie-theater ban?

First off, the policy applies only to AMC theaters (for now). A spokesperson told the Indy Star in a Nov. 19 statement that the chain “has a long-standing policy that prohibits disruptive behavior.” To underline the rule, a 30-second advisory has been playing in other screenings featuring scenes from Wicked that reemphasizes AMC’s trademark “silence is golden” reminder that typically plays before the start of each movie. “No talking. No texting. No singing. No wailing. No flirting,” says the fairly ominous-sounding voiceover in the spot. “And absolutely no name-calling. Enjoy the magic of movies.”

What will happen if theatergoers break this rule?

The spokesperson didn’t outright say whether amateur warblers would be immediately removed from the screening (with presumably a heck of a story to share on TikTok). But given that any customers would be outright violating the theater’s aforementioned policy and code of conduct, it’s certainly possible. It’s your money and your risk.

What do fans think of this idea?

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Well, it depends on who you ask/gripe to. True, paying moviegoers shouldn’t be denied their escapist fun. Still, nobody would dare disrupt the live Broadway show by going full karaoke. A comedic music band named Lewberger shared a TikTok video making fun of the debate, arguing there should be “explicitly rowdy” screenings of the movie. But one TikToker’s complaints about the distracting singing generated more than 500,000 views, while another video mocking fans who might try to imitate the final notes of “Defying Gravity” has been viewed 600,000-plus times since Nov. 16. A die-hard fan who just wants to hear the professionals told the New York Times that he bought tickets for the seats immediately surrounding him so he could soundproof his experience to the best of his ability.

Universal, the studio distributing Wicked, told the New York Times it would not issue a comment. But Erivo and Grande have weighed in on the conundrum and get it. When an NBC reporter asked them about it, since they are both former musical-theater kids themselves, both said that singing during this movie musical was “tempting” and they “understand it.” Grande hilariously—and aptly—added: “If someone throws their popcorn at you, or their phone or something, maybe stop. I’m kidding!” (Is she, though? Also, that’s sage advice!)

Will there be any sing-along showings of Wicked?

Shout it from the rooftops: Yes! In the spirit of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, fans will be able to enjoy an interactive experience via special Wicked sing-along screenings in roughly 1,000 theaters in North America starting on Dec. 25. Mind you, that’s almost one full month after the movie debuts, and exact plans and showtimes for these screenings were not finalized at press time. Regal Cinemas and Alamo Drafthouse have added sing-along showings to their screening list in the past (think The Greatest Showman and Bohemian Rhapsody), though neither have done so for Wicked. Yet.

Wicked Promo image in a movie theater
Derek White/Getty Images

What other Wicked movie-theater trends should you know about?

Get ready for Wickedator! Or Glicked? You get the picture. Just like the Barbenheimer craze of 2023 with the Barbie/Oppenheimer mashup, there’s been much talk about moviegoers catching a double feature of the thematically opposite but equally entertaining epics Wicked and Gladiator II. (Frankly, after the sluggish box office this fall, theater owners could use the bonus business.)

And don’t you dare go to a Wicked showing in a generic sweater and jeans. Well, you technically can, of course, but dressing in character is all part of the fun! There’s loads of Wicked-inspired merchandise available, from green jogger pants and sweatshirts (Team Elphaba) to a pink cropped jacket and pink Crocs (Team Galinda), and the Manhattan Bloomingdale’s has an entire section dedicated to Wicked merch. Just don’t sit through the screenings in a pointy black hat—that will annoy your fellow theatergoers even more than the singing.

Why trust us

At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. For this story on Wicked, Mara Reinstein tapped her two decades of experience as an entertainment journalist, film critic and pop culture expert. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.

Sources:

  • Indy Star: “No singing at ‘Wicked’ the movie? Not from the theater guests, AMC says. See the rules”
  • The New York Times: “‘Wicked’ Fans Singing in Movie Theaters Are Anything but Popular”
  • Variety: “‘Wicked’ Sets Sing-Along Screenings for Christmas”
  • People: “AMC Theatres Issues Strict Warning to Wicked Fans as Movie Opens: ‘No Singing. No Wailing'”
  • NBC News: “‘Wicked’ fans have a message to moviegoers: Don’t sing along in theaters”
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Mara Reinstein
Mara is a contributor for Reader's Digest who specializes in entertainment. She has written for the New York Times, the Ringer, Vulture, Rolling Stone, CNN, Parade, Backstage, Architectural Digest, Esquire and the Hollywood Reporter, and is a longtime film critic. In 2023, Mara was nominated for a National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Award ...
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