‘Wicked’ Film Soars at Box Office, Ignites Theater Etiquette Debate
The adaptation of the Broadway hit, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, breaks records while its sing-along controversy divides audiences and theaters.
- ‘Wicked: Part One’ opened to a record-breaking $114 million domestically, marking the largest debut for a Broadway musical adaptation in film history.
- Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who star as Elphaba and Glinda, have endorsed audience sing-alongs, despite theater chains like AMC enforcing no-singing policies to avoid disruptions.
- Sing-along screenings are set to launch on December 25 in 1,000 theaters across North America, offering fans an interactive viewing experience.
- The film has sparked further debate over costume policies, with some theaters turning away fans wearing green face paint due to longstanding rules against face coverings.
- Director Jon M. Chu confirmed that ‘Wicked: Part Two,’ slated for release in November 2025, will include two new songs, expanding on the Broadway musical’s original score.
Newsweek 
USA TODAY 
Town & Country 
San Francisco Chronicle 
The Guardian 
NME 
Forbes 
Comicbook.com 
Deadline 
Rolling Stone 
The Hollywood Reporter 
Billboard 
Today 
Variety 
TMZ 
TVLine 