Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo, left) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) in "Wicked: For Good."
Olivia Valli, who plays the character Elphaba, touches up her witch makeup in the dressing room before a matinee performance of 'Wicked' on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at the Wharton Center in East Lansing, Michigan.

Check your uniform before you set off for Shiz University and Oz, as you may get booted before you can enjoy a screening of "Wicked: For Good."

When the first half of the "Wicked" movie adaptation was released in November 2024, theatergoers on social media reported issues entering theaters, such as AMC and Cinemark, while donning green face and body paint. Several viral posts detailed customers being turned away or told to scrub the paint off in the bathroom, while others noted how they were allowed into the same chains without issue.

Videos of fans entering or being turned away for their mossy faces or glittering dresses garnered millions of views. Comments sections were mixed, with some saying the rule was clear and well-known, specifically after the 2012 mass shooting that happened in a Century 16 movie theater in Aurora, Colorado, during a midnight showing of "The Dark Knight Rises."

Others seemed confused as to the apparent inconsistencies in enforcement, however.

With “Wicked: For Good” set to release in theaters on Friday, Nov. 21, it's time to revisit the question: Will theatergoers be defying rules when trying to grab a seat to watch Elphaba defy gravity? Here's what to know.

Can you wear face paint to see 'Wicked: For Good' in theatres?

The official answer? Probably not.

Major movie theater chains, including AMC, Regal and Cinemark, have explicitly stated rules against certain attire, including face paint.

AMC's website specifies that costumes are generally allowed; however, prop weapons, face paint, helmets, masks that are not standard for health purposes and anything else covering the face are not permitted. Cinemark has similar rules that prohibit face paint, simulated weapons or face masks other than personal protective masks.

Other major chains, including Regal Cinemas (AKA Regal Theatres), Showcase Cinemas, Cineplex, Landmark Theatres and Marcus Theatres, all have similar no face paint, no face-obscuring costume policies posted on their websites.

While some have reported being allowed into their local locations in full paint and costumes, official policy dictates that those moviegoers may have gotten lucky; therefore, as a blanket rule, face paint should be avoided.

Cinemark pointed USA TODAY to its policy page when asked for comment. USA TODAY also contacted AMC and Regal on Nov. 20, but has not received a response.

Can you dress up to see 'Wicked: For Good'?

Dressing up appears to be generally acceptable, as long as it follows the rules outlined by the theater you're visiting.

According to Cinemark, "Customers are welcome to dress in costume with movie-related accessories," but the staff have the right to inspect all items customers decide to bring in.

"We love it when our guests dress up for the occasion," AMC's rules state, but the theatre goes on to list restrictions, including prop weapons, helmets and face coverings.

Regal's admission policy doesn't specifically mention other forms of dressing up, but also does not allow the same face-obscuring garb, paint or prop weapons as other theaters.

While pink dresses and black cloaks are expected to take over theaters nationwide on Nov. 21, moviegoers should keep in mind that rules and restrictions can vary by location.

Why do movie theaters prohibit face paint, masks and some costumes?

While the policies likely exist for a variety of practical reasons (who wants to clean up spilled popcorn and paint-stained seats after a showing?), movie theaters across the nation increased safety measures after the 2012 mass shooting in Aurora, Colorado.

During a July 20 showing of "The Dark Knight Rises", James Eagan Holmes, 24, killed 12 and injured 70 others by using tear gas grenades and multiple weapons. He was dressed in full black, with a gas mask and ballistic helmet covering his face and head, as well as a bullet-resistant vest, leggings, a throat protector, a groin protector and tactical gloves.

Originally, some who noticed him thought he had dressed up for the film. To complicate matters further, his clothing and the initial obstruction of his face and identity allowed him to be mistaken for police when first responders arrived on the scene.

As a result, and fearing potential copycat crimes, U.S. movie theaters quickly implemented stricter and more specific safety policies, including those that dictate what can be worn into the building.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dressing up to see 'Wicked: For Good'? See US theater policies.

Reporting by Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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