Joker will make its US premiere tonight at the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood, however journalists have not been invited. According to The Hollywood Report, Warner Bros. will no longer be allowing press interviews on the red carpet, now only photographers will on be the press line.
"Our red carpet is comprised of photographers only,” Warner Bros. confirmed. "A lot has been said about Joker, and we just feel it’s time for people to see the film.”
The movie which focuses on the origin story of Batman's arch-nemesis, the Joker, while gaining wide critical acclaim, has gotten some flack in the media for its depiction of violence. An early reviewer called it "a toxic rallying cry for self-pitying incels.” Amidst this violence controversy, both lead actor Joaquin Phoenix and director Todd Phillips have pushed back against criticisms, arguing that the film should not be linked to real-life violence.
In 2012 the Aurora, Colorado shooting saw 12 killed during a midnight screening of The Dark Knight Rises. Now family of the victims are voicing their concerns over Joker, fearing the film's violence might inspire another Aurora. The LAPD has also issued a statement concerning the premiere, saying that while there are "no credible threats" the department will remain vigilant.
Find out how Todd Phillips reacted to the controversy here.
