Lightsabers and masks banned from select Star Wars screenings

HOLLYWOOD, Nov. 3 (UPI) -- Movie theater companies AMC and Cinemark banned lightsabers and masks from upcoming screenings of the new film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

The film opens in theaters Dec. 18.

AMC's website says the company does not allow weapons or items to be brought into auditoriums that may "make other guests feel uncomfortable or detract from the movie-going experience."

To that end, the company said moviegoers are allowed to dress up for the screening so long as they do not wear masks. Lightsabers may also be brought inside but must remain off during the film.

Cinemark's policy is printed on posters at its theaters. Twitter user Scott Chitwood uploaded a picture of a sign outside a Cinemark theater which says costumes are welcome, but no face coverings, face paint or simulated weapons (a.k.a. lightsabers and blasters) will be allowed.

AMC banned the use of masks and fake weapons following the 2012 shooting during a screening of The Dark Knight Rises.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, a shooting at a screening of Trainwreck also spurred conversation about whether theaters should install metal detectors.