Disney issues epilepsy warning for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
If you’re planning on seeing Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker when it hits theaters later this month, and you probably are, remember that safety comes first. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the House of Mouse has issued a warning to cinemas that the film contains scenes that may trigger epileptic seizures and migraines in viewers with photosensitive epilepsy. Here’s the exact text:
"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."
Three percent of people with epilepsy can have seizures triggered by exposure to flashing lights at differing intensities. Some repetitive visual patterns can also trigger these seizures. In 2018, Pixar’s Incredibles 2 caused problems with viewers. Afterwards, the Epilepsy Foundation issued warnings and urged Disney to be proactive about these problems in the future.
A recent episode of Watchmen featured characters using a strobing effect to hypnotize people and came with a similar warning. So although this kind of warning is “uncommon,” according to THR, it does happen.
So what in The Rise of Skywalker might call for a warning? Well, we know that Emperor Palpatine and his lightning will make an appearance. And who knows what kind of lights may flash when Rey and Kylo Ren get into one of their lightsaber battles?
In the spot above, Rey actually stops Kylo Ren’s lightsaber with the Force. That’s something we also saw in the Obi-Wan vs Anakin Skywalker duel in Revenge of the Sith.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker hits theaters on December 20.
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