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"Star Wars" fans could watch "Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens," beginning Dec. 18, wearing costumes of their favorite characters in the franchise film. However, they would not be allowed inside the theaters if they carry sabers and wear masks or face paints.
Entertainment Weekly reports that Plano, Texas-based Cinemark, the third-largest theater chain in the U.S., is advising moviegoers in advance of those rules ahead of the movie's screening. It placed the regulations in posters of the "Star Wars" movie. Cinemark runs 334 moviehouses in 41 states.
AMC theaters, the second-largest theater chain in the U.S., has similar rules, which includes a ban on blasters, but it permits lightsabers so long as it is switched off once the movie begins. The rules would mean Darth Vader and Maul costumes are out.
The strict rules aim to balance public safety and security with personal privacy and freedom, especially since there were mass shooting incidents in Aurora, Colorado, and Lafayette, Louisiana.
The movie is expected to break the global box office records for an opening weekend set by "Jurassic World" at $511 million with more than 54 million who viewed the movie's official trailer on YouTube. The anticipated blockbuster franchise will screen in more than 4,000 theaters around the world.
Miami Herald reports that several movies are likely vying for second-place finish for 2015's holiday releases. The list includes "Spectre," "The Peanuts Movie," "The 33" and "By The Sea."
