Storm troopers not allowed to watch new ‘Star Wars’

It is the most eagerly awaited film of the year, yet storm troopers, androids and even Ewoks may not be welcome at screenings.

In an advance warning to fans who have booked to be among the first to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens, cinema chain Cineworld has said that customers arriving in costume will be required to remove anything that covers their face.

Replica firearms (presumably a reference to weapons such as the E-11 blaster rifle carried by soldiers of the Empire) are also prohibited and will be confiscated by security staff. In a potential loophole, no mention is made of lightsabers, the favoured weapon of Jedi knights.

The email, received on Tuesday by Star Wars fans who have bought tickets to see the seventh film in the series at the O2 Cineworld in London, says: “Ahead of your visit, we wanted to let you know that due to security policies at The O2, customers arriving in costume will be required to remove anything that may cover your face for identification purposes.

“Additionally, replica firearms are discouraged and may be confiscated by security.”

The film, which opens in UK and UAE cinemas on December 17, has already smashed all records for advance ticket sales in the US, reportedly earning more than $50 million (Dh183 million) by mid-November.

There are signs that advance ticket sales for British screenings have also been plentiful, with Disney reporting a record 200,000-plus purchases in the first 24 hours of availability on 20 October.

Cinemas in North America — which remains the world’s largest box-office territory despite growing competition from China — will stay open around the clock to try to meet demand for J.J. Abrams’ film. Some have scheduled screenings as late (or early) as 2am and 5am.