Cosplay Restrictions for Star Wars Premiere Extend Nationwide
By Ani Bundel
This is not new news, in that, from the moment tickets went on sale on October 19th, we heard tell that theaters were planning to ban certain props and costumes from the opening night screenings, in order to take precautions against any sort of theater shooting tragedy. But yesterday those restrictions not only became official, but turned out to be more extensive than we originally thought.
The Hollywood Reporter announced yesterday that both Cinemark and AMC Theaters–two of the largest theater retail chains in the country–are banning certain types of cosplay for the Star Wars: The Force Awakens premiere, including face covering, including make up and masks, and that fake weaponry should be left at home.
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Cinemark’s statement: “Star Wars costumes are welcome. However, no face coverings, face paint or simulated weapons (including lightsabers/blasters) will be allowed in the building.”
AMC’s statement: “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.”
This will probably effect the majority of opening weekend fans, since for many places AMC and Cinemark are the only choices they have to go to the movies. (Being in a major metropolis, I am slightly luckier–I can drive 30 minutes to go to the Alamo Drafthouse. But if I didn’t have a car, I would be heading to an AMC as well.) One would think if theaters were really trying to keep movie goers safe they would ban real weapons, and not lightsabers, which are, after all, harmless plastic toys. But no one ever said modern life made sense.
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Star Wars: The Force Awakens opens nation wide December 18th. Only 44 days to go!