Pink and green can make a striking combination, but perhaps not for a movie outing.

If you’re part of the super enthusiastic fandom planning to dress up for a screening of “Wicked,” you might want to think twice about that full green paint look.

The highly anticipated film adaptation of the Tony-winning musical, featuring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, made a whopping $114 million during its opening weekend as audiences eagerly turned out to watch the first part of the two-part story. Many fans are opting to mimic their favorite characters’ styles, such as Grande’s Glinda in vibrant pink or Erivo’s Elphaba with her signature green skin.

However, some major cinema chains across the United States are not as welcoming to certain costume choices.

Reports have surfaced on social media of moviegoers being denied entry at theaters like AMC and Cinemark for wearing green face paint. Several viral posts illustrate experiences of patrons who were turned away or instructed to wash the paint off in the restroom. Interestingly, others have reported no issues entering the same theaters with similar looks.

This situation has caused a bit of confusion, as many online are expressing their uncertainty over the enforcement of these rules.

Concerned about possibly breaking theater rules while hoping to catch Elphaba in action? Here’s what you need to know.

Patrons turned away at AMC, Cinemark for wearing green

The most common choices include the dazzling pink looks of Glinda and the darker green ensembles of Elphaba. However, fans going the extra mile by painting their skin green to embody Elphaba have reported varied responses from theaters.

Some attendees have shared positive experiences, like one TikToker @gabrielle.legg, who not only painted herself green but also wore a custom outfit complete with a broom, dress, wig, and hat.

Conversely, others have shared their struggles online, claiming they were either denied entrance outright or told to remove the paint before being allowed inside.

In one viral clip by @jamieforst that gained nearly 17 million views, a young woman was captured attempting to wipe green paint off her face in a theater restroom, while text on the video cautioned, “PSA: Do not show up to an AMC with face paint; they will not let you in.”

Another user, @sincerelycynser, recounted being turned away from a Cinemark for having green paint, and yet another, @celineserrano84, reported being asked to wash off makeup prior to entry.

AMC has not provided comments or clarifications on their face painting and costume policies, simply directing inquiries to the policy listed on their website, which prohibits face paint. Meanwhile, Cinemark and Regal have not responded to requests for comment.

The comment sections on these TikTok videos showed mixed reactions; some viewers confirmed that the rule was well known, especially following the tragic 2012 mass shooting in a Century 16 theater during a midnight screening of “The Dark Knight Rises.”

Others voiced confusion over the perceived inconsistencies in rule enforcement.

“Consider what occurred at a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado in 2012 during a midnight screening this policy isn’t unusual,” remarked one commenter, with many echoing similar sentiments. However, some pointed out that for other recent film releases, rules seemed to be enforced more leniently.

“Yet everyone dressed up for Minions (myself included) painted their face and there were no issues,” noted one user. “I literally walked into the theater fully painted green,” added another amidst a wave of comments questioning the uniformity of rule enforcement.

Can you wear face paint to see ‘Wicked’ in theaters?

The straightforward answer? Unlikely.

Major cinema chains like AMC, Regal, and Cinemark have clearly stated their policies against certain types of clothing, including face paint.

According to AMC’s website, while costumes are mostly allowed, items including face paint, prop weapons, and masks that aren’t health-related are prohibited. Cinemark has similar restrictions against face paint, imitation weapons, or facial coverings other than personal protective masks.

Other prominent chains such as Regal Theatres, Showcase Cinemas, Cineplex, Landmark Theatres, and Marcus Theatres have comparable policies stating no face paint and no apparel that obscures the face.

While some individuals have claimed they could enter their local theaters completely painted and dressed up, the official stance suggests these patrons might have simply been fortunate, as the general recommendation is to avoid face paint entirely.

Why do movie theaters ban face paint, masks, and certain costumes?

The restrictions are likely in place for various practical reasons, one being that cleaning up spills of popcorn mixed with paint on seats isn’t ideal. Following the mass shooting in 2012, movie theaters across the United States tightened their safety regulations.

In this tragic event, 24-year-old James Eagan Holmes took the lives of 12 individuals and injured another 70 using tear gas grenades alongside several firearms. He appeared in an all-black outfit, complete with a gas mask and a ballistic helmet, and was also equipped with a bullet-resistant vest, leggings, throat and groin protectors, and tactical gloves.

Some witnesses initially thought that he was simply dressed for the movie. His outfit, which obscured his face and identity, caused confusion among first responders, as they initially mistook him for a member of law enforcement.

Fearing that similar incidents might occur, theaters across the U.S. quickly enacted more stringent safety guidelines, including rules regarding what patrons may wear inside.

More ‘Wicked’ movie theater excitement

The film adaptation of “Wicked” was released on Friday and marks the first part of the iconic Broadway musical. Recently, AMC made headlines when they responded to fans eager for sing-alongs during screenings.

Amidst buzz on social media suggesting that screenings of “Wicked” would turn into wild sing-alongs, AMC took action.

“At AMC Theatres, silence is golden,” was the message from a 30-second advisory played before the movie starts.