TWO SHOWINGS of the new “Joker” film at a cinema in Huntington Beach were cancelled Friday because of a threat, according to police. The theater reopened today (Warner Bros.)

Two showings of the film “Joker” were cancelled Thursday at a movie theater in Huntington Beach because of a threat of violence.

According to Officer Angela Bennett of the HBPD, the incident was at the Century Theater in the Bella Terra mall at Edinger Avenue and Beach Boulevard. On Wednesday police learned about a “possible threat” to the cinemas connected to the opening of the film.

In 2012 at the premiere of “The Dark Knight Rises,” 12 people were killed and 70 wounded at a showing in Aurora, Colorado. Federal officials issued an advisory this week for extra vigilance.

“Joker” is a film about a villain character in the Batman story, although the fictional superhero does not appear in this film.

On Thursday, Huntington Beach police “deemed the threat credible enough” to send armed officers to the location. Theater management decided to cancel the final two screenings of the film, but – based on police investigation – concluded it was safe to reopen the theater Friday.

Police and mall security will be on hand this weekend to provide “a safe environment” for movie-goers.