Theater Chains Ban Masks For ‘Joker’ Film: Locations Near You

This is no joke. Landmark Theaters, a Los Angeles-based chain with screens across the country, will ban moviegoers from wearing masks, painted faces or costumes to screenings of the upcoming “Joker” film.

The move comes in response to growing concerns about the violence depicted in the film and after worries expressed by the families of those killed in a 2012 mass shooting at a Colorado theater screening of an earlier Batman film.

Separately, AMC Theatres, the biggest movie-theater chain in the United States, previously banned masks in theaters after the Colorado mass shooting, but the company issued a reminder last week that audience members are not allowed to wear anything that obscures their faces. Costumes are still permitted.

“Guests are welcome to come dressed in costume, but we do not permit masks, face paint or any object that conceals the face,” AMC said in a widely reported statement. “AMC does not permit weapons or items that would make other guests feel uncomfortable or detract from the movie going experience.”

“Joker” is set for release Friday.

The Seattle region has 11 of the popular AMC Theatres in it, and one Landmark Theater.

AMC Seattle 10
4500 9th Ave Ne Seattle, Washington 98105

AMC Oak Tree 6
10006 Aurora Avenue N. Seattle, Washington 98133

AMC Pacific Place 11
600 Pine Street - Ste 400 Seattle, Washington 98101

AMC Factoria 8
3505 Factoria Blvd Se Bellevue, Washington 98006

AMC Woodinville 12
17640 Garden Wy. Ne Woodinville, Washington 98072

AMC Alderwood Mall 16
18733-33rd Ave. West Lynnwood, Washington 98037

AMC Southcenter 16
3600 Southcenter Mall Tukwila, Washington 98188

AMC Kitsap 8
10055 Kitsap Mall Blvd Nw Silverdale, Washington 98383

AMC Kent Station 14
426 Ramsay Way Kent, Washington 98032

AMC CLASSIC Gateway 8
2501 S Gateway Center Federal Way, Washington 98003

AMC Lakewood Mall 12
5721 Main St Sw Lakewood, Washington 98499

CREST CINEMA CENTER
16505 5th Avenue NE at 165th Shoreline, WA 98155

The film stars Joaquin Phoenix as a failed clown who unravels into darkness and fights back against society. The movie has been criticized for glorifying mass violence, and Phoenix recently walked out of an interview after being asked whether the film could inspire real violence.

In the weeks before the film’s opening date, the FBI told local law-enforcement agencies across the country to watch for troubling online posts, according to the Washington Post.

KOMO News reports several law enforcement agencies in King and Pierce counties will be deploying extra officers at a number of theaters.

U.S. military officials also warned about possible violence at screenings after they were contacted by FBI agents who reportedly found social media posts from extremists about possible violence at theaters.

The Army released a memo about online “chatter” on the dark web of threats at a Joker screening. The memo has caused theaters to plan extra security for the film.