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

By DEB BELT (Patch Staff)

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.

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.”

Click here to find showtimes and tickets for “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”