Moviegoers hoping to don impressive cosplay for the premiere of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" may want to check their local theater's policy first: Some cinema chains are banning lightsabers, blasters, and masks from screenings.National chains including Cinemark and AMC have adopted bans for certain costume items and accessories, with Cinemark announcing its policy on posters promoting the December release of the latest "Star Wars" flick. The notice reads:
AMC, meanwhile, posted its own, slightly more lenient policy on its website, in a special "Costume Policy" sidebar placed prominently on the page. It says:Star Wars costumes are welcome. However, no face coverings, face paint or simulated weapons (including lightsabers/blasters) will be allowed in the building.
Though no reason for the ban was given, it's likely to amp up security in the wake of deadly movie theater shootings in recent years. In 2012, 12 people were killed and 70 more were injured during a "Dark Knight Rises" screening in Colorado; this summer, two people were killed and nine others injured at a screening of "Trainwreck" in Louisiana.AMC does not permit weapons or items that would make other guests feel uncomfortable or detract from the movie-going experience. Guests are welcome to come dressed in costume, but we do not permit masks. In short, bring your lightsaber, turn it off during the movie, and leave the blaster and Darth Vader mask at home.
The Hollywood Reporter writes that both AMC and Regal enacted bans on masks and fake weapons following the 2012 shooting, and increased the number of bag checks as part of regular security. This summer's shooting also prompted discussions of installing metal detectors at movie theater entrances, THR reports.
"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" opens on December 18.
[via: CBS Los Angeles, AMC, h/t The Hollywood Reporter]
Photo credit: Disney
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