FDL Theater Among Many Changing Costume Policy ahead of The Joker Release

Movie theater owners across the country, including the
owner of the Fond du Lac Theater, are making a change in policy ahead of this
weekend’s release of The Joker. Odyssey Theaters, which owns theaters in
six states – including the Fond du Lac Theater on west Scott Street – posted on
Facebook recently that they will not be allowing employees or moviegoers to
dress up in costume as The Joker when coming to see the movie while its in theaters.
The company explained that the costumes “would involve face paint that couldn’t
be removed at our request for identification purposes.”

Concerns have been raised across the nation about people
possibly “copycatting” a 2012 mass shooting that happened at a movie theater in
Aurora, Colorado. Twelve people were killed and 70 injured when a shooter,
dressed as the Joker, opened fire in the theater during a showing of The
Dark Knight Rises.

Odyssey Theaters said in a statement, “We believe strongly
in having events which often involve great times with costumed characters, but
we also have to balance that with the safety of our patrons and employees as
well.” The company says costumes will not be allowed while each of their
locations is still playing the film.