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CNN, TVWeek, Disney, Epilepsy Foundation

Disney Warns That the New ‘Star Wars’ Movie Could Trigger Seizures

Dec 9, 2019  •  Post A Comment

Disney has issued a warning that the new film “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” the ninth and final installment built around the original “Star Wars” trilogy, could trigger seizures in photosensitive people, CNN reports.

The movie is being released Friday, Dec. 20, with advance screenings beginning Thursday evening, Dec. 19.

“The company issued a statement with the Epilepsy Foundation warning viewers that the film contains ‘several sequences with imagery and sustained flashing lights’ that could affect those with photosensitive epilepsy, the letter reads,” CNN reports.

The Walt Disney Studios is recommending that movie theaters post notices warning viewers of the risk, according to media reports.

“The company didn’t elaborate on how the effects are used or what scenes they appear in. The company has closely guarded the film’s plot,” CNN notes, adding: “Flashing lights at certain intensities and certain patterns can trigger seizures in about 3% of people with epilepsy, according to the Epilepsy Foundation. Anything from the flashing strobe of a fire alarm to flickering computer monitors can trigger seizures in photosensitive people.”

CNN adds: “The warning doesn’t mean ‘Star Wars’ lovers with epilepsy can’t find out how Rey, Kylo Ren and co. end the series. The Epilepsy Foundation recommends asking a friend to watch the film first and taking that friend to see the film again to warn about the scenes before they happen.”

Click here to read the full warning from Disney, as posted to the Epilepsy Foundation website.

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