'Star Wars' masks, weapons banned by theater chains

"Star Wars" fans will have to curtail their costumes when heading to "The Force Awakens" screenings next month.

A number of theater chains including Cinemark and AMC have banned masks, simulated weapons and face paint for the upcoming sci-fi hit directed by J.J. Abrams.

"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," the chain said in a statement on its website Monday.

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"In short, bring your lightsaber, turn it off during the movie, and leave the blaster and Darth Vader mask at home."

Texas-based company Cinemark, the third largest theater chain in the U.S., will not even allow iconic lightsabers into its 334 theaters around the country.

"'Star Wars' costumes are welcome. However, no face coverings, face paint, or simulated weapons (including lightsabers/blasters) will be allowed in the building," posters for Episode VII state.

The new restrictions come in the wake of recent violent incidents at movie theaters including a 2012 shooting rampage during an Aurora, Colorado, screening of "The Dark Knight Rises" that killed 12 people and injured 70 others, and an attack on a Lafayette, Louisiana, screening of "Trainwreck" earlier this year in which two people were killed and nine others injured.

The latest installment in the "Star Wars" franchise stars newcomers Oscar Isaac, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega and Adam Driver along with returning favorites Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher.

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" hits theaters on Dec. 18.

See the trailer below.