It’s hard to imagine, but it’s been over seven years since the tragic mass murder during the screening of “The Dark Knight Rises” in July 2012. 12 people died that day. And the families of the victims are hoping that Warner Bros. doesn’t forget that when the studio releases “Joker,” the upcoming ‘Batman’ spin-off film, especially given that the storyline of the new project seems to be the source of much debate, with some thinking that the film could inspire other killers such as the one that committed the heinous act in Colorado.
In a letter written to WB CEO Ann Sarnoff (via Variety), various folks related to victims of the Aurora killings are imploring the executive to understand that releasing a film such as “Joker” could inspire others to commit violence and to take action to help prevent that from happening.
For those that haven’t been following along with the “Joker” controversy, the film stars Joaquin Phoenix as the title character and presents an origin story for the Batman villain. Phoenix plays a mentally ill man named Arthur Fleck, that through a series of events becomes the evil, psychopathic clown. Critics have said that “Joker” provides a story that could be viewed as sympathetic towards the villain and could inspire the type of violence that has led real-life maniacs to commit mass murders.
This relates to the Colorado shooting, not just because both films are ‘Batman’-related, but also because the man who killed those people is said to have used the Joker as an inspiration for his actions.
The victims’ families said that the killings were “perpetrated by a socially isolated individual who felt ‘wronged’ by society,” alluding to the new “Joker” film’s plot.
“When we learned that Warner Bros. was releasing a movie called “Joker” that presents the character as a protagonist with a sympathetic origin story, it gave us pause,” says the letter. “We want to be clear that we support your right to free speech and free expression. But as anyone who has ever seen a comic book movie can tell you: with great power comes great responsibility. That’s why we’re calling on you to use your massive platform and influence to join us in our fight to build safer communities with fewer guns.”
The families say that in light of the government being unable to come up with any sort of laws to help prevent these sorts of actions, perhaps corporations, such as WB, would be able to do something.
“Since the federal government has failed to pass reforms that raise the standard for gun ownership in America, large companies like Warner Brothers have a responsibility to act. We certainly hope that you do,” the letter continues.
We’ll have to see how WB responds to the letter and how it might affect the marketing that surrounds the upcoming Todd Phillips film. “Joker” is expected to be a massive box office winner for the studio, and clearly, WB doesn’t want people to take the wrong message from the film.
“Joker” opens on October 4.
The full letter reads:
Dear Ann Sarnoff,
We are the family members and friends of the 12 people killed at the Century 16 movie theater in Aurora, Colorado at a screening of The Dark Knight Rises on July 20, 2012. This tragic event, perpetrated by a socially isolated individual who felt “wronged” by society has changed the course of our lives.
As a result, we have committed ourselves to ensuring that no other family ever has to go through the absolute hell we have experienced and the pain we continue to live with. Trust us, it does not go away.
When we learned that Warner Bros. was releasing a movie called “Joker” that presents the character as a protagonist with a sympathetic origin story, it gave us pause.
We want to be clear that we support your right to free speech and free expression. But as anyone who has ever seen a comic book movie can tell you: with great power comes great responsibility. That’s why we’re calling on you to use your massive platform and influence to join us in our fight to build safer communities with fewer guns.
Over the last several weeks, large American employers from Walmart to CVS have announced that they are going to lean into gun safety. We are calling on you to be a part of the growing chorus of corporate leaders who understand that they have a social responsibility to keep us all safe.
Specifically, we’re asking you to do the following:
● End political contributions to candidates who take money from the NRA and vote against gun
reform. These lawmakers are literally putting your customers and employees in danger.
● Use your political clout and leverage in Congress to actively lobby for gun reform. Keeping
everyone safe should be a top corporate priority for Warner Brothers.
● Help fund survivor funds and gun violence intervention programs to help survivors of gun violence
and to reduce every-day gun violence in the communities you serve.
Since the federal government has failed to pass reforms that raise the standard for gun ownership in America, large companies like Warner Brothers have a responsibility to act. We certainly hope that you do.
Sincerely,
Sandy Phillips
Lonnie Phillips
Tiina Coon
Theresa Hoover
Heather Dearman