AMC Theatres Issues Strict Warning toWickedFans as Movie Opens: 'No Singing. No Wailing'

Mar. 15, 2025

Wicked.Photo:Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures

Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures

AMC Theaters is gearing up for potential unwanted sing-a-longs asWicked: Part Onehits theaters.Ahead of the new movie musical’s release on Friday, Nov. 22, the U.S.' largest movie theater chain began playing a 30-second advisory featuring scenes fromWickedthat re-emphasizes AMC’s trademark “silence is golden” reminder that plays before the start of every movie.“No talking. No texting. No singing. No wailing. No flirting,” a voiceover for the spot says, humorously tailored to moments from the upcoming big-screen Broadway adaptation. “And absolutely no name-calling. Enjoy the magic of movies.“AMC spokesperson Ryan Noonan toldThe Indianapolis Starin a Nov. 19 statement that the chain “has a long-standing policy that prohibits disruptive behavior.” He additionally stated that the chain’sWickedpre-show spot “incorporates the themes of the film as a fun, engaging reminder to moviegoers to not disrupt the experience for those around them as they enjoy the show.”AMC Theaters did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.Wicked.Giles Keyte/Universal PicturesDiscourse about whether or not audience members should feel emboldened to sing-a-long with the movie has made its way to social media, with one fan’sTikTok postwarning users that audience members singing during the movie is “worse than you would expect” generating over 500,000 views. A comedic band named Lewberger shared aminute-long video to TikTokin which they made light of the debate, arguing there should be “explicitly rowdy” screenings of the movie. Another TikTok user’s video mocking fans who might try to imitate the final notes of the movie’s standout number “Defying Gravity” has beenviewed over 600,000 timesin the last three days.Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.While there appears to be some hoopla over unwanted sing-a-longs, fans of the musical will be able to attend screenings of the movie held with audience participation in mind.Varietyreported on Nov. 18 that roughly 1,000 cinemas in North America will offer interactive screenings of the movie beginning Dec. 25, almost one full month after the movie initially debuts. The outlet noted that final plans for these interactive screenings have not yet been finalized.Wicked poster.Universal PicturesJon M. Chu, the director behind 2018’sCrazy Rich Asiansand 2021’s adaptation of the musicalIn The Heights, directsAriana GrandeandCynthia ErivoinWickedalongside a supporting cast that includesJonathan Bailey,Jeff Goldblum,Michelle Yeoh,Marissa Bode,Bowen Yang,Keala Settle,Ethan SlaterandPeter Dinklage.Wicked: Part Oneis in theaters Nov. 22, withPart Twoset for releaseon Nov. 21, 2025.

AMC Theaters is gearing up for potential unwanted sing-a-longs asWicked: Part Onehits theaters.

Ahead of the new movie musical’s release on Friday, Nov. 22, the U.S.' largest movie theater chain began playing a 30-second advisory featuring scenes fromWickedthat re-emphasizes AMC’s trademark “silence is golden” reminder that plays before the start of every movie.

“No talking. No texting. No singing. No wailing. No flirting,” a voiceover for the spot says, humorously tailored to moments from the upcoming big-screen Broadway adaptation. “And absolutely no name-calling. Enjoy the magic of movies.”

AMC spokesperson Ryan Noonan toldThe Indianapolis Starin a Nov. 19 statement that the chain “has a long-standing policy that prohibits disruptive behavior.” He additionally stated that the chain’sWickedpre-show spot “incorporates the themes of the film as a fun, engaging reminder to moviegoers to not disrupt the experience for those around them as they enjoy the show.”

AMC Theaters did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

Wicked.Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures

Discourse about whether or not audience members should feel emboldened to sing-a-long with the movie has made its way to social media, with one fan’sTikTok postwarning users that audience members singing during the movie is “worse than you would expect” generating over 500,000 views. A comedic band named Lewberger shared aminute-long video to TikTokin which they made light of the debate, arguing there should be “explicitly rowdy” screenings of the movie. Another TikTok user’s video mocking fans who might try to imitate the final notes of the movie’s standout number “Defying Gravity” has beenviewed over 600,000 timesin the last three days.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

While there appears to be some hoopla over unwanted sing-a-longs, fans of the musical will be able to attend screenings of the movie held with audience participation in mind.Varietyreported on Nov. 18 that roughly 1,000 cinemas in North America will offer interactive screenings of the movie beginning Dec. 25, almost one full month after the movie initially debuts. The outlet noted that final plans for these interactive screenings have not yet been finalized.

Wicked poster.Universal Pictures

Universal Pictures

Jon M. Chu, the director behind 2018’sCrazy Rich Asiansand 2021’s adaptation of the musicalIn The Heights, directsAriana GrandeandCynthia ErivoinWickedalongside a supporting cast that includesJonathan Bailey,Jeff Goldblum,Michelle Yeoh,Marissa Bode,Bowen Yang,Keala Settle,Ethan SlaterandPeter Dinklage.

Wicked: Part Oneis in theaters Nov. 22, withPart Twoset for releaseon Nov. 21, 2025.

source: people.com