Straight Outta Compton opens this weekend to tons of fanfare and high box-office expectations, but now it seems as though security is a concern for some theaters.
According to Deadline, Universal Pictures isn’t paying for extra security but is partnering with those theaters that are seeking extra support.
“Universal is proud of our association with Straight Outta Compton, which vividly portrays the rise of five talented young men from underprivileged and oppressed backgrounds into one of the most influential acts in modern music history,” Universal said in a statement. “The film has been seen in hundreds of screenings, all of which have occurred without incident. The studio has not solicited enhanced security for theaters that will be showing the film this weekend, but has partnered with those exhibitors who’ve requested support in their locations.”
Although the studio was evasive about what the partnership entails, extra security measures were also taken during Monday’s premiere in Los Angeles. Uniformed Los Angeles police officers maintained a visible presence outside the premiere and the after-party.
Movies in the past, such as Boyz n the Hood and Notorious, also had extra security during their opening weekends, and several incidents did occur.
Although Straight Outta Compton is expected to be a blockbuster hit, many still feel that the tone of N.W.A’s past, as well as a recent incident involving Suge Knight’s hit-and-run near the set of where the movie was being filmed, is more than enough reason to beef up security. But let us not forget, the only movies being shot up recently have been white comedies such as Trainwreck, and those attacks were carried out by crazy white men.