'$93 just to spot the cast?': Wicked premiere tickets spark mixed reactions online as movie screening not included

It's a pricey glimpse, not the movie.

Those who spent $93 on tickets to the Singapore premiere of Wicked: For Good were disappointed to learn they could only see the cast outside.

The premiere on Nov 13, hosted at Universal Studios Singapore (USS) at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), will be the fourth stop on the film's five-city global tour-and the only Asian stop.

According to the RWS website, day guests could watch the cast walk the 'yellow carpet'. The movie screening itself, however, is a closed-door event reserved for premiere attendees.

$93 ticket only allows celebrity sighting, not movie viewing

Many netizens felt the ticket pricing was too steep, with some saying "$93 is crazy," while others pointed out it was nearly $100 just for a mere "chance" to see the cast.

In a TikTok video, influencer Zoey questioned the $93 ticket, which only allowed guests to see VIPs arrive at the venue, asking: "I pay $93 and I don't get to watch the movie?"

"I feel like the only people this really appeals to are fans of the actors themselves, like Ariana Grande," she added.

The clip, posted on Oct 12 by @zoeysecretclub, had 31,400 views, 5,097 reactions, and 99 comments at press time.

Fans left confused by ticket information

Some netizens said the event descriptions kept changing, leaving many confused.

"Overcrowd USS with no promises," one wrote, noting that the description on the site was changed from an 'exclusive fan event' to one for 'day park goers'.

One netizen even said the website previously "didn't say anything about not seeing the movie," while others similarly pointed out it had promised them with "limited tickets only and told fans to get their cameras ready to see the cast."

However, some also noted that movie premiere tickets usually work this way, and that premiere screenings are often by invite-only.

They added that the ticket was considered worthwhile since it included USS entrance for the rides.

RWS clarifies Premiere Day Special details

An RWS spokesperson told The New Paper on Oct 14 that, "The Universal Studios Singapore Premiere Day Special includes admission to the park, food and beverage and retail vouchers, and provides guests inside the park with a chance to catch a glimpse of the Wicked: For Good cast on the yellow carpet during the premiere day festivities."

The spokesperson added that, like other movie premieres worldwide, the screening is a closed-door, by-invitation-only event. They noted that the website has been updated for clearer information, and enquiries can be sent to attractions@rwsentosa.com.