The controversy surrounding Joker encouraged the NYPD to take added precautions during its opening weekend, including the presence of undercover officers. The police presence will include in uniform and out of uniform officers inside the theaters. These undercover efforts will take place in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Manhattan.
Even though a police spokesperson told Deadline there is no credible threat, they still feel it’s necessary to prepare just in case. They also said big events happen in New York City all the time without any incidents. A law enforcement official also discussed the policing approach for the opening weekend of The Joker.
“This is 360-degree policing approach to ensure safety for ticket buyers in their seats, as well as on the streets. If something happens inside one of the screenings, we intend to be able to pacify the situation quickly and conclusively.”
The spokesperson also encouraged moviegoers to be cooperative with the police. Additionally, in another security effort, the press has been banned from seeing Joker.
Joker, starring Joaquin Phoenix, is a DC standalone film that will dive into the origin story of Batman’s most famous villain. In the past, the Joker’s origins have always been ambiguous or a mystery. The film received high praise by film critics with the majority of them eyeing Joaquin Phoenix for an Oscar. But, some people feel the portrayal of a mistreated man that ends up violently attacking society could be a dangerous movie.
Recently, the victims of The Dark Knight Rises Aurora shooting asked Warner Bros to advocate for gun safety as the movie enters theaters. In response to this controversy, director Todd Phillips said many of these opinions are coming from people who have not seen Joker and that it should encourage commentary on the lack of compassion in this world.
Joker releases this Friday, October 4.