Dwayne Johnson Says Sing in the Movie Theater If ‘You’ve Gone to a Musical and You’re Into It’: ‘Sing! You’ve Paid Your Hard Earned Money for a Ticket’
Dwayne Johnson is telling audiences to sing in the movie theater if they wish. The A-list actor and producer is reprising his voice role of the demigod Maui in Disney’s animated musical sequel “Moana 2,” in theaters Nov. 27. The blockbuster opening of “Wicked” sparked a debate on whether or not moviegoers should be able to sing out loud during a musical film. Some theaters outright asked its patrons to “please refrain from singing” during “Wicked,” for instance.
But Johnson feels differently, telling the BBC on the “Moana 2” red carpet: “Sing! You’ve paid your hard earned money for a ticket, and you’ve gone into a musical, and you’re into it. Sing.”
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AMC Theatres spokesperson Ryan Noonan told Indianapolis Star during “Wicked’s” opening weekend that the theater chain asked moviegoers not to sing during the musical movie to prevent screening disturbances.
“AMC has a long-standing policy that prohibits disruptive behavior,” he told the publication. “The ‘Wicked’ preshow spot [which includes ‘no singing’] incorporates the themes of the film as a fun, engaging reminder to moviegoers to not disrupt the experience for those around them as they enjoy the show.”
Variety exclusively reported ahead of “Wicked’s” opening day that Universal Pictures would start screening a sing-along version of “Wicked” on Christmas. These are screenings where audience members are encouraged to sing. Until then, singing is not preferred as to not disrupt the experience for other ticket buyers.
“Wicked” star Ariana Grande was asked during the film’s press tour about audience members singing during the film, to which she said: “We understand it if you [sing]. We respect the feelings… but if someone throws popcorn at you, their phone or something, maybe stop.”
“Wicked” is now playing in theaters nationwide.
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