The Paris red carpet premiere of the new Batman film, “The Dark Knight Rises,” has been canceled following a deadly shooting during the midnight showing of the film at a movie theater near Denver, Colorado on Friday, July 20.
At least 12 people were killed and dozens were injured when a gunman opened fire inside a packed mall theater in the city of Aurora, police said. The suspect allegedly barged into the auditorium about 30 minutes into the movie, set off a smoke bomb and began shooting at random people.
“Warner Bros. and the filmmakers are deeply saddened to learn about this shocking incident. We extend our sincere sympathies to the families and loved ones of the victims at this tragic time,” the movie’s studio, Warner Bros. said in a statement.
“The Dark Knight Rises,” one of the most anticipated films of the year, opened to the public at midnight at more than 3,700 theaters across the United States on Friday and has already made some $10.4 million overseas, according to The Hollywood Reporter said it has also earned an estimated $30 million domestically. Warner Bros. said the movie will be released in its various venues as scheduled, the outlet said.
However, press interviews with director Christopher Nolan and cast members Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway and Morgan Freeman have also been canceled, it added. The actors had arrived at the Paris hotel Le Bristol to promote the film.