Costumes, Masks Banned at Some ‘Joker’ Screenings

Movie theaters around the country are banning masks and costumes at showings of  Joker over concerns that cosplay might not mix well with the violent theme of the movie.

The families of those killed during a screening of The Dark Knight Rises in 2012 in Aurora, Colorado, are worried about the theme of the new movie and sent a letter to Warner Bros. expressing concerns, while also asking for gun reform.  Warner Bros. said it is taking steps to address the epidemic of gun violence, and insisted that Joker isn't an endorsement of violence or meant to portray the character as a hero, according to TMZ.

The shootings in 2012 happened at the Century Aurora and XD, and that theater won't be showing Joker at all.  Other theater chains, including Landmark, AMC, and Regal are stepping up crowd control.

Regal said it is in contact with law enforcement on a regular basis, and showings of Joker will be no exception.

AMC said those going to Joker can wear costumes, but not “masks, face paint or any object that conceals the face.”  In other words, you won't be able to look too much like The Joker.

Landmark won't allow costumes at all. They're based in L.A. and have about fifty theaters nationwide.

As the week goes on we'll see if other theater chains make moves to ban costumes, face paint, and masks at Joker screenings.  The bigger question remains...will any of this stop you from seeing the movie?