"The Dark Knight Rises" : Screenings Will Not Be Disrupted

Warners has now stayed the course, abandoning any plans to disrupt scheduled screenings of "The Dark Knight Rises", following the removal by North American broadcasters of several "The Dark Knight Rises" TV spots and the cancellation of a red carpet premiere in Paris. Warner Bros. was seriously considering whether or not to cancel scheduled screenings of "The Dark Knight Rises" across North America after a shooting spree in a Colorado theatre killed 12 audience members, by a masked gunman in black SWAT gear, who identified himself to authorities as the 'Batman' comic book villain 'The Joker'. The Paris premiere, originally scheduled for (July 20, 2012), was to be attended by director Christopher Nolan and cast members Christian Bale and Anne Hathaway. The film played on 3,700 screens in North America for midnight Thursday screenings, will plans for screenings in 4,404 theaters and 332 Imax screens. Also scheduled is 6,765 screens overseas in 17 territories. "Warner Bros. and the filmmakers are deeply saddened to learn about this shocking incident," the studio. "We extend our sincere sympathies to the families and loved ones of the victims at this tragic time."