Studio puts ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ promotion on hold, screenings continue as planned

In the wake of the deadly shooting in Colorado overnight at a midnight screening of "The Dark Knight Rises," Warner Bros. has cancelled tonight's Paris movie premiere as well as its scheduled press around the "TDKR" event.

Cast members including Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway, Morgan Freeman and Marion Cotillard have suspended press and television engagements along with the film's director Christopher Nolan.

11:05 a.m. PST UPDATE: "My prayers and deepest sympathies are with the victims and their families of this horrific act," "TDKR" star Gary Oldman, told toofab.

[Related: Horrific theater rampage stuns nation]

Much of the cast were at the hotel Le Bristol in Paris, but journalists who arrived there to cover a press conference were told to leave, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The studio issued this statement: "Warner Bros. and the filmmakers are deeply saddened to learn about this shocking incident. We extend our sincere sympathies to the families and loved ones of the victims at this tragic time."

10:45 a.m. PST UPDATE: Warner Bros. says it has pulled promotional trailers for "Gangster Squad" that were playing before "TDKR" screenings [via Reuters].

The scheduled release of the film, however, will not be affected: All U.S. screenings of "TDKR" will continue to be shown, USA Today reports. U.S. screenings have been scheduled in an estimated 4,400 theaters. The film, incidentally, brought in an estimated $28-to-$30 million overnight, coming close to a record set by "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn -- Part 1."

There has been no word yet on whether the Paris premiere will be rescheduled.

[Photos: Images from the scene of the Colorado shooting]

Security has been tightened around theaters in Europe as well as New York. NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly said he is beefing up security "as a precaution against copycats and to raise the comfort levels among movie patrons in the wake of the horrendous shooting in Colorado."

The National Association of Theater Owners said in a statement that they are working closely with police: "Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims of this despicable act and their families. We are grateful for the quick and effective response by police and emergency personnel... Guest safety is, and will continue to be a priority for theater owners. NATO members are working closely with local law enforcement agencies and reviewing security procedures."

The Motion Picture Association of America also issued a statement: "We share the shock and sadness of everyone in the motion picture community at the news of this terrible event. We extend our prayers and deepest sympathies to the victims, their loved ones and all those affected by this tragedy."