THE DARK KNIGHT RISES: Christopher Nolan Releases A Statement About The Tragedy In Colorado

Earlier today, it was reported that 24-year-old gunman James Holmes walked into a midnight screening of The Dark Knight Rises (clad in body armour and a gas mask) in Aurora, Colorado and opened fire on those in attendance. While there have been conflicting reports as to exactly how this all went down, we do know that 12 people have lost their lives and 59 are injured (some critically). The tragic events led Warner Bros. to consider removing the film from North American theatres this weekend - something they later decided against - with newtworks taking all adverts for the film off TV and radio. Christopher Nolan, the director of the film, has now issued the following statement and a full report on the incident can be read by clicking HERE.

Speaking on behalf of the cast and crew of "The Dark Knight Rises", I would like to express our profound sorrow at the senseless tragedy that has befallen the entire Aurora community. I would not presume to know anything about the victims of the shooting but that they were there last night to watch a movie. I believe movies are one of the great American art forms and the shared experience of watching a story unfold on screen is an important and joyful pastime. The movie theatre is my home, and the idea that someone would violate that innocent and hopeful place in such an unbearably savage way is devastating to me. Nothing any of us can say could ever adequately express our feelings for the innocent victims of this appalling crime, but our thoughts are with them and their families.

Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ "The Dark Knight Rises" is the epic conclusion to filmmaker Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy. The screenplay is written by Christopher Nolan and Jonathan Nolan, story by Christopher Nolan & David S. Goyer. The film is produced by Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan and Charles Roven, who previously teamed on “Batman Begins” and the record-breaking blockbuster "The Dark Knight." The executive producers are Benjamin Melniker, Michael E. Uslan, Kevin De La Noy and Thomas Tull, with Jordan Goldberg serving as co-producer. The film is based upon characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. Batman was created by Bob Kane.