You’ve probably been there. You’re standing in the concession line, staring at a giant tub of popcorn that costs more than your first car, and you’re doing the mental math. The ticket says the movie starts at 7:00 PM. But does it really start then? If you’re heading to see the cinematic adaptation of Oz’s most famous witches, knowing how long are previews for Wicked is basically the difference between catching the opening notes of "No One Mourns the Wicked" and tripping over someone’s feet in a dark theater while the first scene is already playing.
Honestly, the answer isn’t a single number. It’s a range that depends on where you live, which theater chain you’re visiting, and even whether you’re seeing the first part or the sequel, Wicked: For Good.
The Reality of Theater Previews in 2026
If you’re going to a major chain like AMC, Regal, or Cinemark, you aren't just getting a couple of trailers. You're getting a whole pre-show experience.
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For the wide release of Wicked, most audiences have reported a consistent wait. On average, you’re looking at 20 to 30 minutes of previews before the Universal logo actually hits the screen.
Some people find this infuriating. Others love it because it’s "piss break insurance."
Chain by Chain Breakdown
It’s kinda wild how much this varies by brand. Here is what the data from recent screenings shows:
- AMC Theatres: These guys are the heavyweights of the long intro. Expect a solid 25 to 31 minutes. This includes the "Noovie" or "First Look" ads that play right at the start time, followed by 7 or 8 trailers, and then that iconic Nicole Kidman "we come to this place" monologue (or the updated 2026 equivalent).
- Regal Cinemas: Regal is right up there with AMC. Most moviegoers at Regal reported the movie starting about 28 minutes after the ticketed time.
- Cinemark: These tend to be a tiny bit faster but not by much. You’re usually looking at 22 to 25 minutes.
- Independent or Boutique Theaters: If you’re at a local indie house or an Alamo Drafthouse, be careful. These places often pride themselves on shorter trailer reels. You might only get 10 to 15 minutes before the feature begins.
Why the "Wicked" Preview Window Matters
Timing is everything because Wicked (Part One) is a massive commitment. It has a runtime of 2 hours and 40 minutes. If you add 30 minutes of trailers on top of that, you are sitting in that chair for over three hours.
If you’re seeing the second installment, Wicked: For Good, the movie itself is a bit shorter—clocking in at 2 hours and 18 minutes—but the trailer packages at the beginning haven't shrunk.
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The IMAX Factor
Seeing it in IMAX? Interestingly, IMAX screenings sometimes have a slightly different cadence. Often, the trailers are curated to fit the giant screen format, which can sometimes result in a tighter 20-minute window. However, several fans on Reddit noted that for the Wicked opening weekend, the IMAX countdown didn't start until 15 minutes after the listed showtime, followed by more trailers.
Basically, don't assume IMAX means "starts on time."
What Most People Get Wrong About "Start Times"
The biggest mistake? Thinking "Showtime" means "Movie Starts."
In the industry, the "Showtime" listed on your digital ticket is actually the "Playlist Start Time." That’s when the lights dim slightly and the commercial-heavy portion ends to make way for the actual trailers.
Pro Tip: If your ticket says 7:00 PM, the "Wicked" title card probably won't appear until 7:25 PM or 7:30 PM.
If you show up at 7:15 PM, you’ve likely missed the local car dealership commercials and maybe one trailer for Avatar: Fire and Ash or Zootopia 2, but you’re still safe for the actual movie.
Strategies for a Stress-Free Oz Experience
If you hate sitting through ads for mobile games and soft drinks, you can safely arrive 15 minutes late to almost any major theater. This gives you enough time to navigate the lobby and find your seat without missing a second of Cynthia Erivo or Ariana Grande.
However, if you’re a "trailer person" who loves seeing what's coming next—like the latest previews for the Super Mario sequel or Michael—you’ll want to be in your seat exactly at the time on the ticket.
Just remember:
- Check your theater's specific policy. Some luxury theaters (like iPic) have very specific seating rules once the film starts.
- Plan for the "Double Feature." If you're attending one of the rare double-bill screenings of Part 1 and Part 2, the transition between movies usually involves a 15-minute "intermission" rather than a full 30-minute trailer block.
- Use the App. Some theater apps now give a "Feature Start" notification, though they are notoriously glitchy.
To make the most of your trip to Shiz University, aim to be in your seat 15 minutes after the ticketed start time. This hits the sweet spot where you've skipped the repetitive commercials but still catch the final "big" trailers that build the hype for the movie you're about to watch.