'Star Wars' Fans: Leave Lightsaber, Vader Mask at Home

Diehard fans will have to tone down their costume play this weekend when they swarm movie theaters to watch “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”

At least three theater chains are banning some props from customers who plan to dress in character to watch the film.

The seventh movie in the film franchise, a reboot by director J.J. Abrams, brings back beloved characters like Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo and Chewbacca. And it introduces new heroes fighting forces of evil in the galaxy.

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But, when you head to the nearest cineplex to watch Star Wars: The Force Awakens as it opens in theaters Friday, Dec. 18, leave your lightsabers, masks and face paint at home. Regal Cinemas, Cinemark, AMC Loews, Arclight Cinema and Paragon have all posted warnings online prohibiting Darth Vader masks and face paint.

Cinemark, the country’s third largest chain, said on Twitter last month that “Star Wars costumes are welcome. However, no face coverings, face paint, or simulated weapons (including lightsabers/blasters) will be allowed in the building.”

While Regal Cinemas, the biggest movie chain in the United States, hasn’t explicitly targeted “Star Wars” fans, it adopted new security guidelines in August that echo the other chains.

All bags and backpacks may be searched before patrons enter Regal Cinemas, says the admittance policies released by the company.

“Security issues have become a daily part of our lives in America,” the statement said. “We acknowledge that this procedure can cause some inconvenience and that it is not without flaws, but hope these are minor in comparison to increased safety.”

AMC Loews says:

“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 or face paint. In short, bring your lightsaber, turn it off during the movie, and leave the blaster and Darth Vader mask at home.”

There are AMC theaters in Gaithersburg, Beltsville, Largo, Owings Mills, White Marsh and Columbia in Maryland, among other locations.

Arclight Cinemas, with a venue at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, echoed the restrictions:

“We do not allow masks (including face paint) that cover the face and/or props, including those that are illuminated, that would be a safety or trip hazard.”

And Paragon Theaters, with sites in Kentlands in Gaithersburg and the Village in Fredericksburg ,VA, says,

“Paragon Theaters welcomes guests to attend movies dressed in costumes, but does not allow weapons or other accessories that may make guests uncomfortable or cause a distraction. We also ask that you leave the masks at home.”

Fan Events Begin Dec. 17

The film’s producers will run marathon screenings of all seven films this week in select theaters, including Cinemark in Hanover and AMC in Baltimore.

Billed as “the ultimate fan experience,” the marathon Dec. 17 will include all seven movies. The first six films will be screened in 2D, before the opening of Star Wars: The Force Awakens in 3D. Guests will also receive a lanyard featuring exclusive movie marathon art.

The marathon can be seen at Cinemark Egyptian 24 in Hanover and AMC White Marsh 16 in Baltimore.

Regal Cinemas will also have a Force Awakens exclusive offer. Each Saturday, from Dec. 19 to Jan. 9, the first 500 guests for Star Wars: The Force Awakens in IMAX at Regal locations will receive a collectable ticket featuring unique Star Wars: The Force Awakens art.

Regal Cinemas Waugh Chapel 12 is located at 1419 S. Main Chapel Way in Gambrills.

And AMC Theatres has planned Star Wars Sundays: Each Sunday, from Dec. 20 to Jan. 10, guests who purchase a ticket to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens in IMAX 3D will receive an AMC-exclusive Star Wars print from artist Dan Mumford. A new poster will be revealed each week.

There are AMC theaters in Owings Mills and Columbia.

Not excited enough? Watch this trailer featuring Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker and Harrison Ford as Han Solo.

»Movie trailer and poster from the Star Wars website via YouTuve