Warner Bros. issues statement on Colorado shooting at 'The Dark Knight Rises' screening

Update: Christopher Nolan has released his own statement. You can read it here.

By now you've all probably heard the news... CNN reports that a heavily armed gunman attacked an Aurora, Colorado, movie theater early Friday, tossing tear gas before opening fire on the terrified audience and killing 12 and wounding 38, authorities said. The theater was showing the The Dark Knight Rises. I'm deeply saddened by this news and my heart goes out to the victims and families. Warner Bros. has issued an official statement about this horrific event:

Warner Bros. and the filmmakers are deeply saddened to learn about this shocking incident. We extend our sincere sympathies to the families and loved ones of the victims at this tragic time.

The red carpet premiere that was scheduled to take place in Paris tonight has been cancelled. For more coverage on this story, click on the source links below.

SOURCE: CNN, NBC

116 comments

Dark

July 20, 2012

poor bastards....R.I.P.

AquaBro

July 20, 2012

its mind blowing that someone could do this, Its horrible that the movie will be associated with this now.

And way more importantly, my thoughts go out to the families and friends of the victims

nolan_is_hero
July 20, 2012
I feel like I'm heading to a funeral tonight when I'm going to see TDKR for the first time.
What happened there I just can't get it out of my head. How can someone do this and why? Even little kids, I mean little kids are hurt really bad.As I just learned that he prepared this sick plan and boobytrapped his home so it's hard for the police to find evidence and to reveal his motives.My thoughts are also out to everyone, the families and friends of the victims.
1. AquaBro
  July 20, 2012
  Yeah I feel also this will cast a shadow over the whole thing, I havn't seen it yet because the earliest I could get IMAX tickets was sunday but its gonna feel a little somber for sure.
  Whatever his motivations were, you can bet I'll be angry as hell is the media starts blaming comics fans and the movies for what some sicko did.

Blablabla90blablabla90

July 20, 2012

actually there are two premiere in paris.
tonight and tomorrow night. Tonight's premiere is cancelled. but what about the one that takes place tomorrow.

Does someone have any info on this?

Batdwarf
July 20, 2012
Yes, as a French I can answer you.
The promotion for the movie has been cancelled in every medias in France (Marion and Morgan Freeman had to do an interview for a French famous channel tonight).
All the movie team had to go to the theater in the CHAMPS ELYSEE for the French Premiere of the movie tonight (it will be released on Wednesday 25th here).
The premiere isn't cancelled (as I could read for the moment), but the team wont be there.
1. Batdwarf
  July 20, 2012
  Ok appearently, Warner will cancel the Premiere as well, but noone can tell the information yet.
2. Batdwarf
  July 20, 2012
  Ok so the Premiere at CHAMPS-ELYSEE is cancelled tonight for sure, but the premiere at GRAND REX isn't yet, we're still waiting for the information.

thefallen83

July 20, 2012

R.I.P. :((

SofDraper

July 20, 2012

Yeah is the second premiere in Paris also cancelled or not ? Please tell me no :p

Batdwarf
July 20, 2012
Appearently it isn't, but Warner isn't sure yet, we're still waiting for the moment. If you speak French, here's what a facebook page says:
JUILLET CINEMA INTERNATIONAL : Le Gaumont Champs-Elysées confirme l'annulation de l'avant-première de The Dark Knight Rises de ce soir...Concernant celle du Grand Rex, nous avons 2 versions différentes : Le Grand Rex affirme qu'elle est maintenue, La Warner affirme qu'elle est annulée ... attendons pour voir !!!C'est une bien triste nouvelle pour tous les fans... en même temps, il faut comprendre l'inquiétude de la Warner qui souhaite éviter qu'un nouveau drame se produise !!!
Suite à la fusillade qui s'est produite à Denver, Warner a décidé d'annuler la promotion en France du dernier Batman , dont l'avant-première de ce soir à Paris.

Pixie

July 20, 2012

R.I.P. I'm too numb to say anything right now. How could this have ever happened?

Mohammad Ridwan

July 20, 2012

http://www.tmz.com/2012/07/...

Grkdude405

July 20, 2012

This is just horrible ..People can't even feel safe at the movies anymore..this should have been a day of excitement instead these tragic events occurred..rest In Peace to all the victims and my heart and prayers goes out to all the families and people woo had to wItness this tragedy

Guest

July 20, 2012

Previos time Heath Ledger died, now this.

Buck Tailor

July 20, 2012

this is sad, the victims AND that the great movie will have a bad wrap because of some asshole with a gun. The premiere shouldn't be canceled. I saw the movie last night & it was brilliant! Great film.

AquaBro
July 20, 2012
I think the reason they canceld the premiere was because it would feel inappropriate to have glitzy hollwood premiere while something like tihs has happened
1. BatFan2165
  July 20, 2012
  I see that point but at the same time isn't cancelling just letting the sickos win and get what they want? They should go ahead with the premier and pay tribute to the fans who suffered and died in pursuit of something they loved... Great film making.
  1. TheGargoyle
    July 20, 2012
    I agree. The shooter picked this premiere because he wanted a stage. We're giving it to him by altering the premiere. Obviously the focus here should be with those who are hurt or who have lost someone. This is putting the focus on the killer, giving him the credit he wants.
    1. Vlad
      July 20, 2012
      I disagree. The cancelling of the premiere can be thought of as solidarity towards the victims and their families. I see it as a gesture of respect towards them, not some sick fuck that doesn't deserve better than lifetime imprisonment or whatever worse can the law give to him.
  2. Arm72473
    August 6, 2012
    maybe part of the $ made at the Premier of the movie could go to help the families of all who have suffered!!

"CHUMPA"

July 20, 2012

senseless and depraved..we will never understand the reasons somebody so ugly can take the life of others. My prayers and thoughts go to the poor family's affected and the people they loved. We should really reflect and close our eyes and give those families a prayer, and not post something stupid. If your a fan and your probably here because you are...follow WB lead, and take a day off. Hug your loved ones Tonight and thank god they are with you today.

Zombie

July 20, 2012

Despite the horrible event, I wonder makes people take their 3 month old babies and children to a midnight premiere of such a movie. This movie is not for kids, nor is it the time for them to be awake.

AngelaElainGambrel
July 20, 2012
Is that really that important? Perhaps they thought he would sleep through it. Perhaps the babysitter cancelled at the last minute. The important thing is that he lived and is okay now.

Batman Mark

July 20, 2012

I just walked out of a midnight session in Australia... this is horrific. I'm so sorry.

Zombie

July 20, 2012

Despite the horrible and tragical event, I wonder what makes people take their 3 month old
babies and children to a midnight premiere of such a movie. This movie
is not for kids, nor is it the time for them to be awake.

Batdwarf

July 20, 2012

Some men aren't looking for anything logial, like money. They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned, or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.People like the Joker are everywhere... They're just great in movies, in real life, THEY HAVE MY PERMISSION TO DIE!R.I.P. to all the people who were there.

Rob
July 20, 2012
That was a great post!
christophereyoung
July 20, 2012
poor taste.

One-eyed Willie

July 20, 2012

What's wrong with north america's society? First schools, now theaters? What's next? To all bat-fans killed - R.I.P.

TheGargoyle
July 20, 2012
You cannot convict 100 men based on the actions of 99, and you cannot convict a nation based on the actions of a few.
Batdwarf
July 21, 2012
Maybe theme parks... The rest of the world is wondering what the hell is wrong with American society. But these stuffs are happening in Europe as well...
Syria is a bloodbath, Iraq is dying and all the stupid medias (American, French, German, whatever...) seem only to care abour violence in films.
A shitty newspaper (Le Nouvel Observateur if there's any French) said that cinemas just wanted to earn money for keep showing TDKR... The only question we have to ask ourselves is why is this guy, who seemed to have a great future (professionally speaking), just blew off his mind and killed 12 random people. Is it the society? Is it that he had any troubles during his childhood?
This guy deserves to die anyway (he seemed to have nothing to lose), but society has to prevent other events like this by changing some part in the education (every disasters made by these kind of mad people are because of childhood troubles) and also AMERICA HAS TO GET RID OF THIS STUPID AND INSANE THIRD AMENDMENT! (Why do you need guns? To protect yourselves? seriously, look at how the people in the cinema were protected...)
I'm going to see TDKR next week in Paris, I'm not going to compare this movie to this massacre.
It could have happenned during ICE AGE 4 with a lot of children around, medias would have said that the movie is the problem?

Nick Vargas

July 20, 2012

This is terrible we have some real sick people out there my prayers go out to the injured and to family of the fatal victims.

Ej765

July 20, 2012

i live in colorado and i was at the midnight premiere last night. I wasnt in aurora with my freinds but we had no idea watching the amazing movie and having a great night all around what was happening just a couple of miles from where we were. I feel awful knowing that this tragedy happened in m community.

Johnwilsontvito

July 20, 2012

bane is behind this :/

Johnwilsontvito

July 20, 2012

maybe marvel fanatics, but sriously rip :/

EBo Rises

July 20, 2012

There goes its chance for beating Avengers... a few stupid people ruin things for the rest of us

sanshiro
July 20, 2012
I think box office is the least of our problems now. There are DEAD people, yo.
1. EBo Rises
  July 20, 2012
  Condolences to the victims, but that doesn't change the fact that I'm a Batfan. One wacko isn't going to ruin my hope for the movie's success. And honestly, taking it out on the movie is horribly misguided.
  1. nolan_is_hero
    July 20, 2012
    good point Ebo, good point. I'm with you.
    The movie deserves it's honor and fame.
    I agree with you. No matter what happens.
    Unfortunately menkind has the undeserved power to alter events that shouldn't be altered. But the fact remains that, until the motives are revealed and until there's justice done, TDKR will be associated with these events. That's just how this sad and stupid world works nowadays.
    If there isn't war there still is evil. If there's isn't evil, there's still a thought of war.
  2. TDKR
    July 21, 2012
    I hope we can both make peace. I apologize for calling you bad names and criticizing you. It's just frustrating when you focus your attention on box office and ignore the 12 people who died. Personally, I think you should have acknowledged BOTH the box office and the 12 who died so you would've been less misunderstood. Thanks.
ProgressiveDog
July 20, 2012
It's comments like this that make the fans look bad. 12 people are dead and you're worried about breaking a record?
1. EBo Rises
  July 20, 2012
  No, it's the idea that fans are responsible for the actions of a crazed individual is what's bad. This shooter does not represent fans of Batman. The victims were the ones watching the movie!!!!!
  You're awful for trying to blame fans and trying to blame TDKR
  1. ProgressiveDog
    July 20, 2012
    Did you even bother reading my post? I never said the fans were responsible for what the shooter did or that he's representative of the fans. I was responding to your comment. 12 people die and you're worried about box office records?
  2. TDKR
    July 20, 2012
    He never said it was TDKR's fault, stupid. He's just saying all you're concerned about is a record when people have died.
Anime_wrestling
July 20, 2012
WHY ARE YOU EVEN CONCERNED ABOUT SUCH TRIVIAL MAATTER AT THE TRAGIC GTIME LIKE THIS?
1. Anime_wrestling
  July 20, 2012
  Time*
  R.I.P. the victims of the Aurora Theatre Shooting. Have some heart, asshole!
2. Familyduo8609
  July 20, 2012
  exactly
3. EBo Rises
  July 20, 2012
  TDKR HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE SHOOTING. A sick person just took advantage of a popular event.
  Are you going to let a sick person ruin the TDKR experience???? It's not my fault and it's not the movie's fault.
  I still want the movie to succeed. FU for trying to make people guilty for something they had no part in!!! That doesn't make you better!
  1. Anime_wrestling
    July 20, 2012
    No, but the fact that all you care about breaking some damn movie's box office record at the time LIKE THIS repulses us. We never said The Dark Knight Rises was responsible for this, but what you said here, to us, sound like you are one of the most self-centred assholes with lack of empathy. We don't have to feel guilty - that's not the point here. Now is not the best time is what we were trying to say.
    1. EBo Rises
      July 20, 2012
      At a time like this? People die every day! Stop overreacting and get a clue.
      Feeling bad or mourning isn't going to fix anything. Supporting TDKR is actually more constructive because it has a positive message that goes against everything the shooter stands for.
    2. TDKR
      July 21, 2012
      Feeling bad or mourning doesn't need to fix anything. We do it cos we're human. Obviously, we still support TDKR but we're focused on lost human lives right now. Hope you understand.
  2. TDKR
    July 20, 2012
    Seriously, do you have brain damage? Nobody in here ever blamed TDKR for anything. They're just saying you're more concerned for records than HUMAN LIVES. You're getting the wrong message, dummy. So quite telling people "FU" and calling them awful unless you know what you're talking about.
    1. EBo Rises
      July 20, 2012
      No, you idiots are just pretending to be holier, when really it's pointless. What constructive thing are you doing exactly?
      You're an idiot if you believe people have to pick one over the other. Are you going to stop your entire life just because people died? More then 12 people get murdered EVERY DAY. You people have no perspective.
    2. TDKR
      July 21, 2012
      First of all, I'm sorry for saying bad things. I was just angry and now I apologize.
      Second, I hope you understand that even if hundreds of people die every day, it DOESN'T make it any easier to weep for 12.
Familyduo8609
July 20, 2012
WOW, the fact that you even said TDKR for beating the avengers really just blows my mind. Who cares right now? you know what, i take that back, i understand what your saying, but honestly right now isn't the time for that. A three month yr old got shot and the 6 yr old is dead. Breaking records can wait. I know ur pumped still, but people are dead, and unfortunately this movie will now always be remembered for this murder spree and that's the sad part in the end of it all.
1. EBo Rises
  July 20, 2012
  TDKR ISN'T RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SHOOTING. You want to let some wacko ruin the success TDKR? By all means pay respect to the victims, but TDKR is not at fault and Batfans shouldn't be guilty over it!
  1. IVeshI
    July 20, 2012
    Nobody is saying TDKR is responsible for the shooting, but at a time like this, box office should be the least of anybody's worry. Tragedies like this should put into perspective how stupid and trivial something like box office success is when people like those in Aurora had their life taken away trying to enjoy the same movie you and I saw last night. We should be grateful that we even had such an experience, even more so that we still have the opportunity to live.
    1. EBo Rises
      July 20, 2012
      12 people get shot and you think the entire world should stop looking forward to a movie's success. Think about that.
    2. IVeshI
      July 20, 2012
      No, I think that the entire world shouldn't ever give a shit about a movie's box office success because its an inherently stupid statistic that says nothing about the quality of a movie. It is sad that only in times of tragedy like this that people realize it.
  2. Bale
    July 20, 2012
    No one ever said it was Batman's fault! They just think you're stupid for being concerned with records when people have died.
    1. EBo Rises
      July 20, 2012
      You're stupid if you don't think people die everyday. Does that mean we should never be concerned about records? THINK
    2. TDKR
      July 21, 2012
      I did think and I'm very sorry for the harsh words, once again. Please forgive me.
      Now, I know people die every day. But that doesn't erase the fact that 12 more died.
      We can be concerned about records and you can too but now, even if hundreds die every day, we should focus for a WHILE on the unlucky 12. Hope you can understand.

Smrfr

July 20, 2012

It's only a movie, If this was a JAWS film in the winter time.
like how many people would had drowned?

Guest

July 20, 2012

I want full camrip! When??

sanshiro

July 20, 2012

WTF is wrong with these people? Jesus what a tragedy. Makes me want to move with my family out of this country (this shit keeps happening mostly here).

Handibodej
July 20, 2012
Leave the country and take the psychos with you.
1. sanshiro
  July 20, 2012
  Or we can fix the country and its people.

sanshiro

July 20, 2012

A S S H O L E

off with you

sanshiro

July 20, 2012

Fanboy lost track of reality and was clearly mentally unstable. Somehow society allowed him to purchase a whole arsenal of deadly weapons, including tear gas and rifles. Hey, keep protecting that unchecked "right to bear..." assholes

TheDarkKnight4693
July 20, 2012
Well to be honest you know the right to bear arms has nothing to do with this. If a criminal wants to obtain a weapon he will. Guns are going to always be easily obtained, and voiding one of our 1st ammendments right wouldn't stop stuff like this. Psychos will always find a way to do what they want. If anything, we need this ammendment to protect ourselves against people like this. But of course this is only my two cents and just my opinion.
1. EBo Rises
  July 20, 2012
  Oh yeah it just so happens that more gun deaths happen where gun laws are looser. No coincidence there!
  1. TheDarkKnight4693
    July 20, 2012
    Wow calm the **** down. I said it was my opinion and I was politely discussing the matter but you're just getting ridiculous with commenting on everything. I have the right to my own opinion and I explained what I was really trying to say in the post above this one, I dont feel like retyping it. Just chill out dude.
    1. EBo Rises
      July 20, 2012
      OK, so you don't base your opinions on facts. Good to know.
    2. TheDarkKnight4693
      July 21, 2012
      For some reason I can't reply to your comment down below but you know what you're just an asshole. If you are the real EBo and not the imposter then I don't see why people loved you so much. I tried to tell you in the comments above that I was only trying to make a small point nothing big but you're just being an ass about everything for the sake of being an ass. And how doI know CO has some of the strictest gun laws? Cause every media source has been talking about that all day long!

Ej765

July 20, 2012

That didn't happen. Aurora police said nOne Of those things about the joker really happened it was all false rumors

Collin V.

July 20, 2012

The fuck's wrong with people... R.I.P.

ProgressiveDog

July 20, 2012

It's horrible. I can only imagine what it's like for the families of the victims. Unfortunately, this movie will be around for a long time and be a painful reminder of what they lost. No surprise that the media has already started speculating on the shooter's motives. Some are saying he was inspired by a previous Batman story depicting a similar event. Others are blaming TDKR itself cause Bane wears what looks like a gas mask and goes around killing people. By far, the worst comment I heard was some elected official saying this tragedy wouldn't have happened if we just let everyone carry guns. What does he want? Theaters selling guns along with food?

BatFan2165
July 20, 2012
No one but the police and the military need guns. How is everyone having a gun going to fix anything? If we as a nation can't handle the priveledge and responsibility of gun ownership, then we don't deserve it. If people are going to have guns then they should be allowed to have one two shot rifle for hunting and that is it (and truthfully you should have to do that with a bow and arrow not a gun). Why should anyone have access to the kinds of things he had? They shouldn't!!!
1. TheDarkKnight4693
  July 20, 2012
  I mean my whole thing is, do people REALLY think by cutting off our right to bear arms stuff like this will stop? There are so many guns flowing through this world they are one of the most easily obtained items these days. Psychos will always be able to get what they need. Taking away guns from the general public wont sovle anything. But that is only my opinion.
  1. EBo Rises
    July 20, 2012
    Actually yes. Please look at the FACTS first and foremost.
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wik...
    Look where Japan is on that list, now go look up their gun laws. Actually, I'll do the work for you. Japan has the lowest homicides per capita and they have strict gun laws.
    "Japan prohibits handgun possession by citizens. Shotguns and rifles for hunting or sports may be possessed upon completion of a licensing procedure that requires a police background check, successful completion of a safety course, passing of shooting, written, and psychological tests, and police verification of secure storage, prior to approval being granted by the police to purchase a firearm."
    1. TheDarkKnight4693
      July 20, 2012
      Colorado also has extremely strict gun laws. The most strict in the US. Listen, I'm not here to argue and get in a political debate. This is a tragedy and I don't want to fight with fellow Batman-News members ive come to know and love. I did look at the facts, and I know where he bought the weapons too. The only point I was trying to make is that even if you took away the right to carry guns, that you still can't completely prevent something like this. Drugs are illegal and people still find a way to get them. All I was trying to say is that legal or not people can still get their hands on something if they want it bad enough.
    2. EBo Rises
      July 20, 2012
      Can you back up that Colorado has the most strict gun laws in the US? Or are you lying and throwing out BS?
      http://en.wikipedia.org/wik...
      You need to stop watching only Fox news.
2. ProgressiveDog
  July 20, 2012
  The guy had 4 weapons. Why does anyone need that many? Sure he has a right to bear arms. But if someone has 4 guns, that's a red flag.

BatFan2165

July 20, 2012

I think it is ridiculous in any way to try to blame the movie (which I heard someone on a talk show on satelite radio elude to) for what happened. A nut job is a nut job and no movie made him do what he did. To go into a place and attack innocent victims while they try to enjoy themselves is pure evil and hatred at it's highest level. I am so sad for the victims and their families, nothing like this should ever happen anywhere, but unfortunately it does. Our justice system needs to take someone like this and treat them exactly the way they treated their victims. Everyone has a choice and when you choose to ambush innocent people in the dark you should be taken straight into a dark room and treated the exact same way!!! Some swift justice would curtail some of these events because you can't fix crazy or stupid so why waste our time. Times would be better spent honoring the victims and their families than trying to figure out why this whack job even exists.

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Warner Bros. issues statement on Colorado shooting at 'The Dark Knight Rises' screening

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