PARIS -- The Paris premiere of The Dark Knight Rises has been canceled following a mass shooting at a midnight showing of the film in Auora, Colo., that has left at least 12 people dead and 50 injured.
"Warner Bros. and the filmmakers are deeply saddened to learn about this shocking incident," the studio behind The Dark Knight Rises said in a statement today. "We extend our sincere sympathies to the families and loved ones of the victims at this tragic time."
MORE: Officials name alleged gunman in Colorado theater shooting
The Paris red-carpet premiere was scheduled for Friday evening. Director Christopher Nolan and cast members Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway and Morgan Freeman also scrapped press interviews after learning of the shooting.
James Holmes, the suspected 24-year-old shooter who is now in custody, was carrying a gas mask, according to police, leading some people online to speculate that he was trying to imitate the the Batman villain Bane, who wears a gas mask.
At least one other city is stepping up its security at theaters in light of the tragedy. New York City police Commissioner Ray Kelly released a statement this morning, saying, "As a precaution against copycats and to raise the comfort levels among movie patrons in the wake of the horrendous shooting in Colorado, the New York City Police Department is providing coverage at theaters where the The Dark Knight Rises is playing in the five boroughs."
ABC News