Warner Bros. Restricts Red Carpet Press Interviews at Joker Premiere

According to a report by Variety, Joker studio Warner Bros. is apparently trying to avoid any awkward situations for the upcoming red carpet premiere for the new film, which has recently been the subject of controversy. The studio is doing so by restricting access for print and broadcast reporters for tonight’s red carpet premiere of Joker.

The event, which will likely have already taken place at press time, is being held at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood and was scheduled to only allow photographers have access to the talent and filmmakers. Star Joaquin Phoenix, director Todd Philips, and actors Zazie Beets and Frances Conroy are listed as attendees.

A spokesperson for the studio commented on the subject, stating, “Our red carpet is comprised of photographers only. A lot has been said about ‘Joker,’ and we just feel it’s time for people to see the film.”

Previously, the film drew some controversy and media attention when star Phoenix walked out of an interview when a reporter asked if he was “worried that this film might perversely end up inspiring exactly the kind of people it’s about, with potentially tragic results?” Phoenix would later return to the interview an hour later once the journalist did some “peace-brokering” with a rep for Warner Bros.

Additionally, Variety reports that theater chain Landmark is prohibiting costume play based on the character. The Los Angeles Police Department also plans to increase its visibility at area theaters. No specific threats have been received regarding the movie, but moviegoers are encouraged to be vigilant.

Critics have voiced concerns over the film due to its apparent depiction of titular character Arthur Fleck (aka Joker) since it debuted at the Venice Film Festival. Some have complained that the film paints the central character in a light that is too sympathetic.

Later on, the families of the 2012 shooting at an Aurora, Colorado theater during a screening of The Dark Knight Rises sent a letter to Warner Bros. that said “sympathetic origin story… gave us pause.” It should be noted that the convicted Aurora shooter, James Holmes, was not dressed as the Joker at the tragic event. His hair was dyed a red-orange type of color, leading to some observers saying he was like the Joker.

Warner Bros. responded to the letter in a statement earlier this week. It read, “Neither the fictional character Joker, nor the film, is an endorsement of real-world violence of any kind. It is not the intention of the film, the filmmakers or the studio to hold this character up as a hero.”

For clarification, press are not being banned from seeing or reporting on the film. 411mania is scheduled to attend a press screening for Joker on Tuesday, October 1. The film arrives in theaters on October 4.