Can you wear paint to see ‘Wicked’? See rules at AMC, more theaters

On November 28, 2024By Pranco

Pink goes well with green, but maybe not in cinema.

If you belong to the extra enthusiastic and dedicated fanbase who plans to go all out with your look when Seeing “Wicked” in theatersyou might want to think again.

The highly anticipated film adaptation of the Tony-winning show starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo $114 million in its opening weekend alone as millions flocked to see the first of the series in two acts. Mimicking the leading ladies with perky pink robes like Grande, who plays Glinda, and green-tinged skin like Erivo, who stars as Elphaba, are the more obvious options for dressing for the occasion.

But some major movie theaters across the country are saying “no,” at least to some of the clothing.

Theatergoers on social media and beyond have reported problems entering theaters like AMC and Cinemark, especially while donning green face and body paint. Several viral posts detail customers being turned away or told to scrub off the paint in the bathroom. Still others said they were accepted into the same chains without any problems.

However, some confusion remains as internet users reportedly feel the rules are unclear or inconsistently enforced.

Worried about defying cinema rules when trying to get a seat to watch Elphaba defy gravity? Here’s what you need to know.

Fans turned away from AMC and Cinemark for appearing green

Many fans tap into their inner theater child at ‘Wicked’ performances, choosing to dress up as their favorite characters and attend the screenings in creative and sometimes impressive attire.

The two favorites are of course the sparkling pink Glinda looks and the subdued black and green Elphaba looks. However, some of those particularly enthusiastic devotees who went the extra mile and dyed their skin to match Elphaba’s green complexion faced mixed reactions from cinemas.

In some cases, people say they were allowed in wearing quite elaborate costumes one TikToker @gabrielle.leggwho was not only painted green, but also wore a custom broom, dress, wig and hat.

However, other posters shared on multiple platforms that they had been kicked out of theaters or had to remove the paint before being allowed inside.

In one video from @jamieforst which racked up just under 17 million views, a young woman can be seen trying to wipe the green off her face in the theater bathroom, accompanied by a text overlay explaining: “PSA: Don’t show up to an AMC with face paint on, that They won’t let you in.”

Another enthusiast, @sincerelycynser, posted that they were kicked out of a Cinemark theater for wearing green paint while others liked it @celineserrano84 has reported again He is told to wash off the makeup in the bathroom before entering.

AMC declined to comment or clarify its rules for face paint and costumes, referring USA TODAY to the company’s policy banning face paint listed on its website. Cinemark and Regal did not respond to requests for comment.

The comment sections on all the videos were mixed, with some saying the rule was clear and well-known, especially after the 2012 mass shooting that occurred at a Century 16 movie theater in Aurora, Colorado during a midnight showing of “The Dark Knight Rises.”

Others seemed confused about apparent inconsistencies in enforcement.

“Look what happened at a movie theater in Aurora Colorado in 2012 during a midnight screening… this is the policy at every movie theater,” said a comment that was echoed by many similar posts. However, others pointed out that other recent film releases appeared to have more lenient enforcement.

“Still, everyone for Minions (myself included) painted their faces to watch the movie and there was no problem,” said one. “I literally went to the theater wearing green,” said another amid a flurry of comments questioning how consistently the rules are being enforced.

Can you wear face paint to see ‘Wicked’ in the cinema?

The official answer? Probably not.

Major movie theater chains, including AMC, Regal and Cinemark, have explicitly set rules against certain clothing, including face paint.

website of the AMC specifies that costumes are generally allowed, but prop weapons, face paint, helmets, non-standard masks for health purposes, and anything else that covers the face are not allowed. Cinemark has similar rules which ban face paint, simulated weapons or face masks other than personal protective masks.

Other major chains, including Royal theatres, Showcase Cinemas, Cineplex, Monumental theaters And Marcus Theaters they all have the same policy: no face paint and no face-obscuring costume policy on their websites.

While some have reported being allowed to enter their local venues in full paint and costumes, official policy dictates that those people may have gotten lucky, but as a general rule face painting should be avoided.

Why are movie theaters banning face paint, masks and some costumes?

Although the policy likely exists for several practical reasons (who wants to clean up spilled popcorn? And paint-stained seats after a screening?), movie theaters across the country cut back on security after the 2012 mass shooting.

During the attack, 24-year-old James Eagan Holmes killed 12 and injured 70 others with tear gas canisters and multiple weapons. He was dressed in all black and wore a gas mask and a ballistic helmet over his face and head, in addition to a bulletproof vest, leggings, throat protector, groin protector and tactical gloves.

Originally, some who noticed him thought he had simply dressed for the movie. To further complicate matters, his clothing and the initial obstruction of his face and identity caused him to be mistaken for police when first responders arrived on the scene.

As a result, and out of fear of possible copycat crimes, American movie theaters quickly implemented stricter and more specific safety policies, including policies that dictated what could be worn in the building.

More ‘Wicked’ cinema drama

“Wicked” opens in theaters Friday and covers part one of the beloved Broadway musical. AMC was in the news earlier this week for pushing back fans who were hoping to sing the popular songs from their seats.

After social media buzzed that “Wicked” screenings would be the place for musical theater-kids-gone-wild-sing-a-longs, AMC intervened.

“At AMC Theaters, silence is golden,” reads a 30-second advisory before the film.

Contributing: Cheryl V. Jackson, Indianapolis Star