For weeks now, we’ve heard about potential violence that could occur at theaters due to the release of “Joker.” The film, which is easily going to be the hottest ticket at the multiplex this weekend, has carried a stigma of potentially inspiring folks to commit horrible crimes, such as the ones depicted brutally in the comic book movie. However, even with all the discussion and warnings, there hasn’t really been any specific threats, except for a new one that greatly impacted a Huntington Beach, California Cinemark location.
The LA Times reported that a Cinemark location in Huntington Beach was closed on Thursday night, after police received information about a “credible threat” of violence at the theater during a “Joker” screening.
Officer Angela Bennett, a spokeswoman for the Huntington Beach Police Department, said, “We took the threat seriously, and we’re investigating.”
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Part of taking the threat seriously, of course, was to shut down the Cinemark location in Huntington Beach last night. However, it appears that the investigation proved there was no immediate threat of violence, as Deadline is reporting that Cinemark has opened the location today.
All this news comes on the heels of weeks of discussion surrounding “Joker” and the possibility that Todd Phillips’ film could inspire folks to commit violent actions, following in the footsteps of the lead character in the film played by Joaquin Phoenix. Just recently, ABC News obtained a justice department bulletin that says the FBI has investigated numerous “unspecific mass shootings” threats involving “Joker” that have been circulating through social media since May.
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The bulletin claims that no specific locations or crimes have been mentioned in the threats, but that the FBI is taking them seriously.
“While many Incels do not engage in violence, some within the community encourage or commit violent acts as retribution for perceived societal wrongdoing against them,” the bulletin said. “Some Incel attackers have claimed inspiration from previous mass shooters.”
Early reports claim that “Joker” earned approximately $13 million in Thursday night screenings last night, which shows that whatever threats exist, they’re not deterring eager comic book film fans from checking out this highly-anticipated film. If the box office popularity of last night is continued throughout the weekend, “Joker” could easily beat the $80 million record opening in October that “Venom” set last year.
“Joker” is in theaters now.