Disney issues seizure warning for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Ahead of the release for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Disney has issued a warning that parts of the film could potentially cause seizures.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker hits theaters in a little less than two weeks, and Disney is preparing for its big release in an atypical way. The company has partnered with the Epilepsy Foundation to warn viewers that the special effects throughout the film could potentially cause seizures.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Disney sent a letter to exhibitors internationally, asking them to provide their own notice of the risk prior to screening the film.
The exact contents of Disney’s letter read as follows:
"“Out of an abundance of caution, we recommend that you provide at your venue box office and online, and at other appropriate places where your customers will see it, a notice containing the following information: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker contains several sequences with imagery and sustained flashing lights that may affect those who are susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy or have other photosensitivities.”"
Disney didn’t specify which portions of the film present concerns for those at risk for seizures, but one can assume the flashing lights refer to lightsaber battle sequences between Kylo Ren and Rey — and perhaps some of the fights involving other characters as well.
The Epilepsy Foundation also released its own statement, thanking Disney for providing them and viewers who could be at risk with this information ahead of time. They also offered the following advice for anyone who is sensitive to lights and wishing to see the film:
"Ask a friend to watch the movie first.Take your friend with you when you go see the film to alert you to which scenes contain the flashing lights so you block your eyes during those scenes.Teach your friend the three simple steps of seizure first aid — Stay, Safe, Side — so that they can assist if you have a seizure."
With any luck, the combined efforts of Disney and The Epilepsy Foundation will keep harm to moviegoers at a minimum when The Rise of Skywalker arrives later this month. It’s nice to see companies taking action to ensure their fans’ safety — even if it is an unusual move by industry standards.
Next. Star Wars actor Billy Dee Williams embraces gender fluidity. dark