New Star Wars Movie Could Trigger Epileptic Seizures: Walt Disney Studios

Walt Disney Studios has warned its new Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, could trigger seizures in people with epilepsy.

On Monday, the company warned that the latest instalment of the film contained several sequences with imagery and sustained flashing lights that may affect those with photosensitive epilepsy.

Disney suggested posting notices at movie theatres to warn viewers of the risk.

“We thank Disney for reaching out to us and proactively providing information to movie theatres and moviegoers in advance to the movie’s release,” the Epilepsy Foundation said in a statement.

The foundation provided the following tips for viewers who are sensitive to lights:

• Ask a friend to watch the movie first;
• Take your friend with you when you go see the film to alert you to which scenes contain the flashing lights so you block your eyes during those scenes;
• Teach your friend the three simple steps of seizure first aid – Stay, Safe, Side – so that they can assist if you have a seizure.

WATCH: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker trailer