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Fans eagerly awaiting the release of theWickedmovie were left fuming after a significant surprise was spoiled during a live broadcast.
During Thursday’sWatch What Happens Liveepisode, host Andy Cohen casually disclosed that Kristen Chenoweth, who first played Glinda on Broadway, makes a cameo in the film.
This unexpected disclosure, coming just one day before the film’s highly anticipated release, sparked immediate backlash.
Continue scrolling to learn further!
Kristen Chenoweth Caught Off Guard
Chenoweth, who seemed visibly shocked and uncomfortable, tried to deflect theconversation.
When Cohen asked, “Kristen, everyone is talking about what they saw in the movie. How hard was it keeping it a secret?” she responded cautiously, “I’m going to plead the fifth.”
Despite her efforts to avoid confirming the cameo, Cohen’s comments made it clear, and the damage was done.
It didn’t take long for frustrated fans to express their outrage onsocial media. Many felt Cohen had robbed them of a moment that should have been a delightful surprise:
“#WWHL: Not @andy spoiling @KChenoweth being inWicked. She looked like she wanted that to remain a surprise,” one fan tweeted.
Another added, “How oblivious is he? Let the opening weekend audience get the surprise first.”
Adding fuel to the fire, spoilers had already surfaced earlier in a social media post showing the film’s song list.
The list included credits for both Chenoweth andIdina Menzel, the original Elphaba.
While some fans had seen the credits and kept quiet, others had no idea until Cohen’s blunder made it public.
One fan shared their frustration, writing,“We kept the secret! We were all shook at the screening, and now this?”
Others pointed out that, although the credits were out there, many had avoided spoilers, hoping for a genuine surprise in the theater.
Source: Instagram/wickedmovie
No Singing Allowed: AMC’s Strict Policy
As excitement builds for the movie’s release, another issue has stirred up controversy: singing bans at screenings.
AMC Theatres recently reminded moviegoers that“silence is golden,”strictly prohibiting singing during the film.
This policy came after reports of disruptions during early fan screenings, where audiences couldn’t resist singing along to iconic songs like“Defying Gravity”and“Popular.”
The policy, reiterated in AMC’s pre-show advisory, states:
“No talking. No texting. No singing. No wailing. No flirting. And absolutely no name-calling. Enjoy the magic of movies.”
The reminder sparked heated debates online. Some fans appreciated the ban, arguing that a quiet theater experience is essential for enjoying the movie.
One user wrote,“When I go to Broadway shows, I mouth the words. I would never sing out loud. I don’t even like people talking during shows, let alone singing.”
Divided Opinions: To Sing or Not to Sing?
On the other hand, many fans argued that musicals invite participation, and singing along is part of the fun.
One passionate moviegoer tweeted,“I paid for my ticket… If I want to sing, I will sing.”
Another chimed in,“I’m singing quietly to myself, and no one can stop me. It’s not like they can hear me over the movie!”
The debate even caught the attention of the comedy band Lewberger Music, who released a humorous song addressing thecontroversy. In their minute-long tune, they joked:
“Several people have made waves about what they’ll do if people sing during the film… But they didn’t buy tickets to hear some rando—they want to hear Ariana Grande.”
A Compromise: Singalong Screenings
To find common ground, cinemas have announced special singalong showings, set to begin around Christmas.
According toVariety, approximately 1,000 NorthAmericantheaters will offer interactive screenings starting December 25.
These sessions will allow fans to sing their hearts out without worrying about disturbing others who prefer a quiet experience.
The idea of singalong screenings has been widely praised. One fan suggested,“They should do a singalong version and have those showings… that way I can go to both.”
Another added, “There are some people who just wanna watch and some who wanna belt it out. They should have CLEAR screenings that do both.”
About TheWickedMovie
TheWickedmovie serves as a prequel toThe Wizard of Oz, but it begins halfway through the original story, which could confuse some viewers.
The 1939Wizard of Ozmovie and other adaptations likeThe Wizare based on L. Frank Baum’s bookThe Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
However,Wickedis based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel,Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West.
In Maguire’s version, the story focuses on Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and explores her life from herchildhood, reframing her as the misunderstood protagonist rather than the villain.
The musical adaptation ofWickedhas been a huge success since its debut in 2005, and it tells Elphaba’s backstory in a way that shows she was not always “wicked,” but was instead an outcast due to her green skin.
The movie follows the first act of theBroadwayshow, which picks up right after Dorothy kills the Wicked Witch of the East.
It shows how Elphaba swears revenge against Dorothy and how her friendship with Glinda, the Good Witch, begins to unravel as they grow apart.
The film ends where the first act of the musical ends.
Wicked Part Two, set for release in November 2025, will cover the second act, focusing on the events that lead up to Dorothy’s arrival in Oz and retelling the story ofThe Wizard of Ozfrom the perspectives of Elphaba and Glinda.
With the film hitting theaters on November 22, the drama surrounding spoilers and singing bans has only heightened anticipation.
Whether you’re planning to watch in respectful silence or counting down the days until the singalong version, one thing is clear:Wickedis set to be an unforgettablecinematicexperience.
Get ready for the magic—just maybe keep your singing voice on hold until December!
WickedMovie Details
Category
Details
Directed by
Jon M. Chu
Screenplay by
Winnie Holzman, Dana Fox
Based on
*Wicked* by Stephen Schwartz, Winnie Holzman, Gregory Maguire
Produced by
Marc Platt, David Stone
Starring
Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum
Cinematography
Alice Brooks
Edited by
Myron Kerstein
Music by
John Powell, Stephen Schwartz
Production Companies
Universal Pictures, Marc Platt Productions
Distributed by
Universal Pictures
Release Dates
November 3, 2024 (State Theatre), November 22, 2024 (United States)
The star-studded cast and creative team behind the Wicked movie
Conclusion
AsWickedprepares to hit theaters, the pre-release buzz—filled with spoilers, debates, and singalong controversies—has only amplified excitement.
Despite the spoiler slip and the heated discussions about theater etiquette, fans are united by their passion for the beloved musical.
Whether you’re eagerly awaiting a quiet, immersive experience or counting down the days until you can belt out your favorite tunes in a singalong screening, one thing’s for sure:Wickedis more than just a film; it’s a cultural moment.
So, grab your tickets, keep an eye out for surprises (that we now know about!), and get ready for a journey back to Oz that promises to be as spellbinding as ever.
Enjoy the magic—your way!
Kristen Chenoweth Praises Ariana Grande’s Performance inWicked.
Last Updated: November 22, 2024
