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Since the highly anticipated release of Wicked last weekend, fans of the Broadway hit have flocked to theaters dressed in homage to their favorite characters.
However, some have found their enthusiasm met with unexpected restrictions.
Wicked fans face theater restrictions
Several fans who arrived at AMC Theatres wearing green face paint (mimicking Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo) were asked to remove their makeup before entering.
TikTok videos documenting these experiences have gone viral, with fans expressing confusion and frustration.
One , Celine Serrano, shared her disbelief: "This is the dumbest rule I've ever heard."
Her video shows her washing off the face paint after being denied entry.
AMC's face-covering policy, detailed on its website, prohibits "paint, helmets, masks... or anything that covers the face" for safety reasons.
This policy isn't exclusive to AMC; other major theater chains like Regal, Cinemark, and Cineplex have similar rules.
Still, some theaters have embraced the fan fervor, allowing costumed guests to enter and even posing for photos with them.
Sing at your own risk if you go see Wicked
In addition to face paint restrictions, AMC is cracking down on another common fan behavior: singing along.
The chain now plays a 30-second advisory before Wicked screenings, humorously reminding viewers that "silence is golden."
The voiceover warns against talking, texting, singing, or "wailing," in an effort to maintain a distraction-free viewing experience.
The move has sparked debate among fans.
While some argue that sing-alongs disrupt the movie, others point to the success of interactive screenings like Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, where audience participation was welcomed.
To accommodate both perspectives, around 1,000 theaters in North America will begin offering interactive Wicked screenings starting December 25.
Starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, Wicked generating buzz for its stunning performances and visual spectacle.
As fans adjust to these new theater guidelines, the film promises to deliver a magical experience.