Cosplayers, this isn’t the news you were looking for.
Dressing up as your favorite Star Wars characters and wielding blasters and lightsabers was once a time-honored tradition, but three of the country’s biggest movie theater chains are putting the kibosh on some of fans’ favorite costumes.
THR reports that AMC, Cinemark, and Regal Cinemas are all issuing restrictions on cosplay for screenings of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Cinemark seems to be taking things particularly seriously as the fine print on its promotional posters for the film, contains the following language: “Star Wars costumes are welcome. However, no face coverings, face paint or simulated weapons (including lightsabers/blasters) will be allowed in the building.”
Next up, AMC, whose website has this to say on the subject: “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.”
Good thing they’re not being vague about this. Everyone knows exactly which fake weapons “detract from the movie-going experience.” Let’s see if we can get a bit more clarity from Regal Cinemas.
@YinYangPhoto Cosplay is welcome- just no mask wearing or weapon-like props in theatres though.
— Regal Cinemas (@RegalMovies) June 17, 2015
Well, that is more specific, but it’s also more strict.
Unfortunately, it looks as if we’re all going to have to face the fact that — in the wake of the shooting in Aurora, Colorado and other, similar instances — a trip to the theater is going to be a different sort of experience going forward.
Hopefully Star Wars’ opening weekend will go off without any disturbances in the force and fans around the world can enjoy this historic event in peace. And while we’re hoping for things, let’s all hope that this movie lives up its unprecedented hype.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens hits theaters on Dec. 18, 2015.
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