Last night, The Dark Knight Rises made around thirty million dollars at midnight showings. It’s unclear how much the film might rake in over the rest of the weekend, but it’ll be an astronomical figure. Ordinarily, Warner Bros would spend the weekend updating the current estimates and gloating about broken records. Unfortunately, there’s nothing ordinary about this weekend.
Early this morning, twelve people were savagely and unfairly murdered at their screening of The Dark Knight Rises. Money, typically one of only a few measuring sticks that matter in Hollywood, no longer seems relevant or important. So, out of respect for the victims, the studio has announced it will not play the usual box office game and will instead remain quiet for the time being. You can take a look at the company’s statement below, courtesy of Entertainment Weekly…
“Out of respect for the victims and their families. Warner Bros. Pictures will not be reporting box office numbers for The Dark Knight Rises throughout the weekend. Box office numbers will be released on Monday.”
Of course, there will still be estimates and third party guesses that will happen between now and Monday, but until the time is right, Warner Bros will back away. It’s a classy decision, and in an atmosphere calling for overreactions, this one seems sensible and decent.
Cinema Blend’s deepest sympathies go out to everyone affected by this tragedy.
