Colorado Shooting A "Senseless Tragedy" Says 'Dark Knight Rising' Director Christopher Nolan

As the fall out following the terrible events that took place at a 'Dark Knight Rises' screening in Denver, Colorado late on Thursday night continues, the director of the 'Batman' film Christopher Nolan has issued a statement expressing his extreme sorrow at the incident. It's now been globally reported that 12 people were shot dead with a further 50 injured as a local gunman ran rampant at a screening of the film in the Century Aurora 16 Move Theatre in the Denver suburb of Aurora. He has since been arrested.

The incident has, of course, overshadowed what was a successful night for the film Stateside as it took $30.6 million on its opening night, and those involved in the film itself have now acted in response to the tragedy. Director Nolan said that he felt a "profound sorrow at the senseless tragedy", continuing "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."

The UK's Independent is also reporting that the Paris premiere for the film due for last night was also cancelled. The star-studded bash was set to see Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway, Morgan Freeman and French actress Marion Cotillard all appear at the Champs Elysee, but following the incident it understandably did not go ahead. The wider impact on the commercial success of the film is now in doubt, although thoughts for many are first and foremost with the victims and their families.