On Tuesday,Busty Lifeguards (2010) Warner Bros. released a statement regarding the controversy surrounding Joker. Days later, major theater chains took WB's lead and clarified rules around costumes and other displays of fandom at Jokerscreenings.
In theaters Oct. 4, the Joaquin Phoenix-led project chronicles the origin of the Joker in a way that — according to some critics — paints the Gotham villain as a sympathetic outcast rather than a mass murderer.
The depiction has raised concerns among many, most notably the survivors and families of victims of the 2012 Aurora, Colorado shooting that took place during a showing of The Dark Knight Rises. The shooting killed 12, and injured 70.
“Gun violence in our society is a critical issue, and we extend our deepest sympathy to all victims and families impacted by these tragedies,” the statement reads, as reported by Entertainment Weekly.
“Our company has a long history of donating to victims of violence, including Aurora, and in recent weeks, our parent company joined other business leaders to call on policymakers to enact bi-partisan legislation to address this epidemic. At the same time, Warner Bros. believes that one of the functions of storytelling is to provoke difficult conversations around complex issues. Make no mistake: neither the fictional character Joker, nor the film, is an endorsement of real-world violence of any kind. It is not the intention of the film, the filmmakers or the studio to hold this character up as a hero.”
A few days after WB issued its statement, the Landmark and AMC theater chains set rules of their own for Joker screenings. Landmark won't allow people wearing "masks, painted faces, or costumes" inside theaters. Toy weapons aren't allowed, either. AMC allows costumes but draws a line at face coverings and toy weapons. Both AMC and Regal are communicating with law enforcement ahead of Joker's release.
The statement comes shortly after five families of Aurora victims released an open letter calling for Warner Bros. to join other high-profile corporations in advocating for gun control.
“We’re calling on you to use your massive platform and influence to join us in our fight to build safer communities with fewer guns,” the letter states, per Variety. “We are calling on you to be a part of the growing chorus of corporate leaders who understand that they have a social responsibility to keep us all safe.”
Notably, the letter does not call for a Jokerboycott or ban — but the authors do state that the film's apparent "sympathetic origin story" raises some concern.
SEE ALSO: Chilling final 'Joker' trailer reveals tragic backstory and moreEarlier this month, the film earned the top prize at the Venice Film Festival, an accolade that often signifies a movie is on-track for Academy Award Best Picture consideration.
Joker will not screen at the Cinemark Aurora theater where the 2012 shooting took place, a decision reached mutually by Warner Bros. and Cinemark per Deadline.
UPDATE: Sept. 27, 2019, 9:07 a.m. EDT Updated to reflect moves by multiple theater chains to clarify rules around what is and isn't allowed at their theaters.
Topics DC Comics
Blockchain Explained: How It Works, Who Cares and What Its Future May HoldFDA looking toward AI after mass layoffsBest Windows laptop deal: Save $250 on the Asus Zenbook A14Best Sonos deal: Save $20 on Sonos Era 100Now streaming: How to watch 'Snow White' at homeNYT Connections Sports Edition hints and answers for June 11: Tips to solve Connections #261Pacers vs. Thunder 2025 livestream: Watch Game 3 of NBA Finals for freeAnalyzing Graphics Card Pricing: May 2018NYT Connections Sports Edition hints and answers for June 10: Tips to solve Connections #260Best Beats deal: Save $70 on the Beats Studio Buds + at AmazonApple visionOS 26 brings new experiences to Vision Pro headsetsBest TV deal: Buy a Samsung TV and get a Samsung Freestyle Projector for freeThe Ultimate Guide to Buying a Used Graphics CardToday's Hurdle hints and answers for June 11, 2025The Authoritative Guide to Blockchain DevelopmentThings AMD Needs to FixAnalyzing Graphics Card Pricing: October 2018Germany vs. Slovenia 2025 livestream: Watch U21 Euro 2025 for freeSave 45% on the Anker Solix C1000 portable power stationA tiny star gave birth to an absolute giant. Scientists are puzzled. Kevin's chili recipe from 'The Office' is hidden in Peacock's user agreement Ramon Todo‘s Glass Books: Good for Looking, Not for Reading 'Euphoria' star Alexa Demie is TikTok's latest muse Paris Review Writers on the National Book Award Longlist Staff Picks: Padgett Powell, John Berger, and More John Oliver responds to Reddit protests on 'Last Week Tonight' Lawrence Ferlinghetti’s Travels in California, 1961 Big, Bent Ears, Chapter 9: Surrender to the Situation, Part 2 by Nicole Rudick In Repair: On Boots, Coats, and Depression Chris Parnell anti The heatless hair curling headband from 'Euphoria' is taking over TikTok. Does it work? When H.D. Was Psychoanalyzed by Freud Himself Letters of a Nerd: William Carlos Williams Writes to His Mom The Art of Weathered Lithuanian Garage Doors NFL's 'Toy Story' broadcast was a wonderful fever dream Visit Us at the Brooklyn Book Festival On Tumblr, a GIF can make you believe in love Hard Mountain Dew promises fun parties and less fun hangovers Elena Ferrante Wants You to Know She Is Not a Man Everything to know before seeing 'The Exorcist: Believer'
2.6544s , 8227.9765625 kb
Copyright © 2025 Powered by 【Busty Lifeguards (2010)】,Miracle Information Network