The upcoming “Joker” film won’t air at the theater in Aurora, Colorado, where the 2012 mass shooting took place, according to multiple reports.
The movie won’t air at the Century Aurora and XD, which is the remodeled location where a lone gunman, James Holmes, killed 12 people and injured 70 others during a midnight screening of “The Dark Knight Rises.”
“Holmes became linked to the Joker because of his bright orange hair and reports he called himself that when he was arrested ... though those reports turned out to be false,” according to TMZ.
The Century Aurora and XD did not list any showtimes for “Joker.” One theater employee told The Hollywood Reporter that there were not any advance ticket sales available because the venue will now show the film.
It’s possible the theater could add the screening before it debuts on Oct. 4.
However, the reports surface as the families, friends and victims of the 2012 shooting have voiced their concern about “Joker.” Victims penned a letter to Warner Bros. asking the company to advocate for gun safety, according to Variety. The victims did not ask for an outright ban of the film, though.
“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 read, according to 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.”
“Since the federal government has failed to pass reforms that raise the standard for gun ownership in America, large companies like Warner Brothers have a responsibility to act,” the letter reads. “We certainly hope that you do.”