SAN DIEGO — If you're planning to see the long anticipated movie "Wicked" featuring Ariana Grande or Cynthia Erivo there are some rules you’ll have to follow.
Wicked officially opens November 22, but there have been advance screenings.
Wicked is one of the most anticipated movies of the year. It tells the untold story of the witches of Oz, inspired by the original 1939 Judy Garland classic Wizard of Oz. It's based on a Broadway musical where music reigns supreme, but online, posts claiming AMC is enforcing a no singing rule have run rampant.
One Reddit user says it appeared in a "silence is golden" trailer at the start of the film, describing exactly what it says:
- No talking
- No texting
- No singing
- No wailing
- No flirting
- and absolutely no name-calling
Are moviegoers allowed to sing while watching Wicked in AMC theatres?
Our source on this one is AMC theatres.
While other theatres are showing the movie, AMC is the world's largest movie chain, so that's where most people will be seeing it.
CBS8 reached out the AMC's corporate office via phone and email.
We did not receive a response by this story's deadline.
But, according to the Indianapolis Star, AMC spokesperson Ryan Noonan confirmed the rumors saying:
"AMC has a long-standing policy that prohibits disruptive behavior. The Wicked preshow 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."
So, yes we can verify, there is a no singing rule.
AMC had less restrictive guidelines ahead of the concert films "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" and "Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé.
As for Wicked, there are reports plans are the works to release a sing-along version next month at select theatres, where singing is encouraged.
Online, a lot of people applauded the no singing rule, saying they want their experience to be uninterrupted.
Singing or not, people CBS8 spoke to headed to an advance screening couldn't wait to see the film.
"The new freshness to it is just gonna be super fun," said one moviegoer.
"I understand people wanting to sing, you let everyone enjoy but can't hate on anyone wanting to sign and enjoy it,” said another.