AMC Theaters is on the cusp of facing a situation where unwanted sing-alongs might become a concern as the highly anticipated Wicked: Part One makes its way to theaters. This upcoming event has sparked various discussions and reactions among moviegoers and theater enthusiasts alike. The U.S.' largest movie theater chain, AMC, has taken proactive measures to ensure a smooth movie-watching experience for all. Ahead of the new movie musical's release on Friday, Nov. 22, AMC began playing a 30-second advisory that humorously reminds moviegoers of their trademark "silence is golden" policy. The voiceover for the spot playfully tailors the reminder to moments from the upcoming big-screen Broadway adaptation, stating "No talking. No texting. No singing. No wailing. No flirting. And absolutely no name-calling. Enjoy the magic of movies." AMC spokesperson Ryan Noonan emphasized in a Nov. 19 statement that the chain has a long-standing policy against disruptive behavior and that the Wicked pre-show spot incorporates the themes of the film as a fun, engaging reminder.

Social Media Discourse and Different Perspectives

There has been a significant amount of discourse on social media regarding whether audience members should feel empowered to sing-along with the movie. One fan's TikTok post warning of the potential for unwanted singing during the movie has garnered over 500,000 views, highlighting the concern. A comedic band named Lewberger shared a minute-long video on TikTok, making light of the debate and arguing for "explicitly rowdy" screenings. Another TikTok user's video mocking fans who might try to imitate the final notes of the movie's standout number "Defying Gravity" has been viewed over 600,000 times in the last three days. This shows the diverse range of opinions and reactions that the movie has sparked.

Interactive Screenings and Future Plans

While there is some commotion over unwanted sing-alongs, fans of the musical will have the opportunity to attend screenings with audience participation in mind. Variety reported on Nov. 18 that approximately 1,000 cinemas in North America will offer interactive screenings of the movie starting Dec. 25, almost a full month after its initial debut. However, the outlet noted that final plans for these interactive screenings have not yet been finalized. This offers hope for those who want to have a more immersive movie-watching experience while still respecting the theater's policies.

Behind the Scenes: The Cast and Crew

Jon M. Chu, the director behind 2018's Crazy Rich Asians and 2021's adaptation of In The Heights, is at the helm of Wicked, directing Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. The supporting cast includes Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Marissa Bode, Bowen Yang, Keala Settle, Ethan Slater, and Peter Dinklage. These talented individuals bring the story of Wicked to life on the big screen, adding to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the movie.