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

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

If you’re one of those extremely ecstatic and totally devoted fans who plan to go all out with your look when watching “Wicked” in theatersmaybe it’s worth thinking again.

The long-awaited adaptation of the Tony Award-winning series starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo has premiered It grossed $114 million in its opening weekend alone as millions of people flocked to see the first one two-act series. Emulating leading ladies in perky pink outfits, like Grande, who plays Glinda, and greenish skin, like Erivo, who plays Elphaba, are more obvious dress options for the occasion.

But some large theaters across the country are saying no to at least some clothes.

Audiences on social media and elsewhere have reported problems getting into theaters like AMC and Cinemark, especially when applying green face and body paint. Several viral posts have detailed how customers were turned away or asked to scrub the paint in the bathroom. Still others claimed that they were allowed into the same chains without any problems.

However, some confusion remains as netizens reportedly believe the rules are unclear or inconsistently enforced.

Worried you’ll break movie rules by trying to take a seat and watch Elphaba defy gravity? Here’s what you need to know.

Fans turned on AMC and Cinemark for greenlighting

Many fans tap into their inner theater child during “Wicked” screenings, dressing up as their favorite characters and attending shows in creative and sometimes impressive costumes.

Two favorites are, of course, Glinda’s glowing pink look and Elphaba’s moody black and green look. However, some of those particularly enthusiastic fans who went the extra mile and painted their skin to match Elphaba’s green complexion were met with mixed reactions from theaters.

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

However, other posters on multiple platforms reported being banned from theaters or ordered to remove paint before being allowed in.

In one video by @jamieforst which has garnered nearly 17 million views, a young woman can be seen trying to wipe green off her face in a movie theater bathroom, accompanied by a text overlay explaining: “PSA: Don’t come to AMC with face paint or they won’t let you in.”

Another fan, @sincerelycynser posted this got kicked out of a Cinemark theater for wearing green paint while others like it @celineserrano84 re-reported I was told to remove my makeup in the bathroom before entering.

AMC declined to comment or explain its policies regarding face painting and costumes, referring USA TODAY to the company’s policy banning face painting as stated on its website. Cinemark and Regal did not respond to requests for comment.

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

Others seemed confused by the apparent inconsistencies in law enforcement.

“Please look at what happened at a movie theater in Aurora Colorado in 2012 during a midnight showing… this is the policy of every movie theater,” stated one comment, which has appeared in many similar posts. Others, however, pointed out that other recent film releases have seen more lenient enforcement.

“Yet all the Minions (including me) painted their faces to watch the movie and it was no problem,” one of them said. “I literally went to the theater in full green,” said another, amid a flurry of comments questioning the consistency of rule enforcement.

Can you paint your face while watching Wicked in theaters?

The official answer? Probably not.

Major movie theater chains, including AMC, Regal and Cinemark, have clearly stated policies prohibiting certain costumes, including face painting.

AMC website specifies that costumes are generally allowed, but props, face painting, helmets, masks that are not standard for health reasons, and anything else covering the face are not allowed. Cinemark has similar rules that prohibit face painting, imitation weapons, or face masks other than personal protective equipment.

Other major chains incl Royal Theatres, show cinemas, cineplex, Characteristic theaters AND Marcus Theaters all have similar policies regarding the prohibition of face painting and face coverings, published on their websites.

While some have reported being allowed into local locations in full color and costume, official policy states that these individuals may have been lucky, but face paint should generally be avoided.

Why do cinemas ban face paint, masks and certain costumes?

Although these rules probably exist for a variety of practical reasons (who wants to clean up spilled popcorn AND paint-stained seats after a show?), cinemas across the country followed safety rules after the 2012 mass shooting.

During the attack, 24-year-old James Eagan Holmes killed 12 people and injured 70 others using tear gas grenades and multiple weapons. He was dressed entirely in black, wearing a gas mask and a ballistic helmet over his face and head, as well as a bulletproof vest, leggings, a throat protector, a groin protector and tactical gloves.

Initially, some who noticed him thought he was simply dressing up for the movie. Further complicating matters, his clothing and initial concealment of his face and identity allowed him to be mistaken for police when first responders arrived on the scene.

As a result, fearing potential copycat crimes, American movie theaters quickly implemented more stringent and detailed safety policies, including those that govern what can be worn inside the building.

More cinematic drama “Wicked”.

“Wicked” hit theaters on Friday and covers the first installment of the beloved Broadway musical. AMC was in the news earlier this week for pushing away fans who were hoping to sing popular songs from their seats.

After social media became abuzz about “Wicked” showings being a place for crazy children’s musical theater sing-alongs, AMC stepped in.

“At AMC theaters, silence is golden,” says a 30-second trailer for the film.

Contributions: Cheryl V. Jackson, Indianapolis Star