Star Wars: The Force Awakens: US cinema chains AMC and Cinemark won't let fans wear facepaint or masks

Expect a few less Darth Mauls at the cinema

Star Wars themed fans mingle the concourse in honor of the franchise (Getty)

When Star Wars: The Force Awakens opens in December you can guarantee one thing: there will be a lot of people wanting to dress up as characters from the sci-fi franchise.

They won’t, however, be able to attend a screening of the upcoming film at AMC or Cinemark cinemas with masks, faceprint or blasters.

A poster, pictured on Twitter, revealed how Cinemark, the third largest cinema chain in the US, would welcome costumes yet would not allow any of the above - plus lightsabers - in the building.

AMC will allow you to bring the Jedi weapon into their cinemas as long as it is turned off.

Their website reads: "AMC does not permit weapons or items that would make other guests feel uncomfortable or detract from the movie-going experience. Guests are welcome to come dressed in costume, but we do not permit masks. In short, bring your lightsaber, turn it off during the movie, and leave the blaster and Darth Vader mask at home.”

So don’t expect to see fan favourites’ Darth Vader, Darth Maul, C3PO or Jar Jar Binks walking around a cinema complex anytime soon.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens will hit UK cinema screens on the 17 December.