Fans of the Star Wars movies are already hitting theaters ahead of the Thursday evening release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Due to the massive crowds expected, major theater chains like Harkins, AMC and Cinemark are reminding movie goers about safety rules in place. While they don't discourage dressing up, they will not permit people with masks into the theater.
They also are not allowing face paint, although one Harkins employee says a little bit was OK but not enough to mask someone's features.
Lightsabers are also OK but they must be turned off by the time the movie starts. However, blasters will not be allowed inside.
Most premiere show times are sold out at theaters across the Valley. ABC15 did find some tickets for select view times still available.
Harkins theaters has a mobile app so patrons can see which times are sold out.
A small group of people began waiting outside one theater at the Harkins Tempe Marketplace by 6 a.m. for the big premiere, while others had arrived hours earlier for a marathon screening of the movies.
The Force Awakens already has made $100 million is pre-ticket sales. Experts believe it could go on to be the highest grossing film of all time, bumping Avatar to second place.
