Green Face Paint Sparks Drama at AMC 'Wicked' Screenings

The release of the highly anticipated "Wicked" film has inspired fans to express their enthusiasm in creative ways, including dressing up as beloved characters. However, some moviegoers have encountered unexpected challenges when their costumes included face paint, leading to issues at certain theater chains.

Fans' Enthusiastic Tributes

Eager to celebrate the film's debut, fans have attended screenings dressed as characters like Elphaba and Glinda. For instance, Jamie Forst and her friend arrived at an AMC theater in Burbank, California, with Forst in pink attire as Glinda and her friend with green face paint as Elphaba. To their surprise, they were denied entry due to the face paint. Forst shared the experience on TikTok, showing her friend scrubbing off the paint, and captioned it: "PSA: DO NOT SHOW UP TO AN AMC WEARING FACE PAINT THEY WILL NOT LET YOU IN." The video quickly went viral, amassing 20 million views.

Theater Policies on Face Paint

AMC Theatres enforces a policy prohibiting face coverings, including face paint, to ensure safety and prevent disruptions. This rule has been in place since incidents like the 2012 mass shooting during a "The Dark Knight Rises" screening. The policy states: "Face paint, helmets, masks (except for standard face masks used explicitly for health and safety reasons), or anything that covers the face are prohibited." Despite this, some fans have reported inconsistencies, noting that they were previously allowed to wear face paint for other film screenings.

Community Reactions and Safety Considerations

The enforcement of this policy has sparked discussions among fans and on social media platforms. While some view it as an unnecessary restriction dampening fan enthusiasm, others understand the safety concerns that necessitate such measures. The policy aims to maintain a secure environment for all patrons, balancing fan expression with safety protocols. As the "Wicked" film continues to draw audiences, theaters are likely to uphold these guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.