George Lucas appeals to Star Wars fans to keep blasters holstered

Star Wars fans warned about weapons Photo: SWNSStar Wars fans warned about weapons Photo: SWNS
Star Wars fans warned about weapons Photo: SWNS
Film legend George Lucas has appealed to Star Wars fans to keep their light-sabers and blasters holstered in order not to cause alarm following the Paris terror attacks.

He made the request on Twitter ahead of the opening of the latest Star Wars film in cinemas across the UK and Europe.

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The president of one of the UK’s official Stars Wars clubs, Richard Walker, confirmed they had been asked not to take their weapons out when posing for pictures at events in the community.

He said: “We’ve been asked by George Lucas not to use or draw weapons, most cinemas have asked everyone to leave them at home .

Leave your light sabers at home, Star Wars fans urged. Photo: SWNSLeave your light sabers at home, Star Wars fans urged. Photo: SWNS
Leave your light sabers at home, Star Wars fans urged. Photo: SWNS

“We’re fine with that, it’s probably a good idea given what happened in France.”

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Mr Walker added that the cinemas are asking people not to bring replica weapons but his group have found a way to get around that.

He added: “We’ll be at the Odeon for the premier and we’re putting yellow tape round the handles of our weapons.

“That’s so everyone can see we’re part of the group and we can still take our blasters and our lightsabers without scaring people.

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Mr Walker said most groups he had spoken to agreed to support the ban on withdrawing weapons - although there had been some disquiet from groups in places like America.

He said: “There’s a bit of animosity between one or two groups who say it’s not right, the kids want to see the weapons and that it makes a better picture but we’re doing what Lucasfilm asked us to do.”

The new Star Wars film has sold more than half a million tickets for its opening week at UK cinemas, smashing their previous record set by James Bond film, Spectre.

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Star Wars: The Force Awakens is expected to become the highest grossing film ever.

More than 130 people died in Paris last month when Islamic terrorists launched a series of attacks on restaurants and the Bataclan concert hall.

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