Theaters ban masks, lightsabers from 'Star Wars' screenings
Fans planning on dressing up to commemorate the premiere of Star Wars: The Force Awakens may want to check with their local theater first.
As tickets have gone on sale for the highly anticipated film, theaters have made their policies clear regarding masks and fake weapons, both popular elements of many Star Wars character costumes. AMC Theaters has this policy on the Star Wars page on their website:
"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."
Ryan Noonan, director of corporate communications for AMC Theaters, said that the policy is not just for Star Wars.
"The first two sentences of that statement is our standard costume policy all of the time and has been in place for a number of years, applying to all movies, without any significant negative feedback from guests," he said in an email sent to USA TODAY.
Fans have likewise noticed signs at Cinemark theaters that state:
"Star Wars costumes are welcome. However, no face coverings, face paint or simulated weapons (including lightsabers/blasters) will be allowed in the building."
There have been recent instances of violence in movie theaters, including the shooting at a Louisiana screening of Trainwreck this summer and the 2012 shooting at a midnight showing of The Dark Knight Rises.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens opens Dec. 18.