The long-awaited Wicked movie releases in UK cinemas this Friday, 22nd November, but it comes with a rare request of fans: no singing along during the movie.
Starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, the film is based on the hit Broadway and West End musical. To keep the mood magical, AMC Theatres in the US is encouraging viewers to not sing, talk, text, or be distracting in any manner.
A pre-screening video jokingly reminds moviegoers that “silence is golden” and that they should let every person enjoy the show without interruptions.
According to AMC spokesperson Ryan Noonan, the notice was an artistic and considerate attempt to make sure everybody has a great experience.
Social media has been abuzz, however, with some fans saying this might be a big ask in light of the film’s iconic songs.
Wicked is an exploration of the pre-division friendship of Elphaba and Glinda, characters from L. Frank Baum’s Oz novels, before they went their separate ways. Part one opens this week, with the sequel due for November 2025.
The London premiere earlier this week provided some extra zest to the release. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande stopped traffic in pieces inspired by themes from the musical, while director Jon M. Chu was embracing the Oz in a green velvet suit.
