'Star Wars: The Force Awakens'
A shopper wearing an Imperial Stormtrooper helmet collects new toys from the upcoming film 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' just after midnight on 'Force Friday' in Sydney, September 4, 2015. New Star Wars toys and other merchandise were released in stores across Australia just after midnight local time during a global rollout of the popular products. Reuters/Jason Reed

Concerned about the possible leaks of the plot and events in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” Disney has reportedly ensured that the launch of the tie-in novel of the movie is delayed. The release of the book was initially planned to be around the same time as the movie hits theaters.

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, publisher Del Rey has agreed to delay the release of the hardcover version of the book. The delay will mean that the publisher will have to miss out on the Christmas holiday season sales.

Disney is said to have requested the delay because of concerns about information about the movie leaking out to the public, before the movie hits the theaters. There have already been multiple leaked photos of the movie from the production set that surfaced online, while the movie was still filming. Several concept arts of major characters had also leaked online, even before the first trailer of the movie was released.

One man, who is eager to watch “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” as soon as possible, is Daniel Fleetwood from Texas, Time reported. The 32-year-old is suffering from cancer and he has requested Disney to let him see the movie before the theatrical release. Fleetwood feels that he will not live till Dec. 18, when the movie will be released across the U.S.

Cast members Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) and John Boyega (Finn) have apparently supported a Twitter campaign in favor of Fleetwood by retweeting a post that requests people to help spread the message. Walt Disney Studios and Lucasfilm have not commented on the issue yet.

Meanwhile, several theater chains are restricting the fans from wearing certain costumes and carrying some items when they go to watch the movie, The Wrap reported. Theater chains such as Cinemark and AMC have banned people from wearing masks, face paint and carrying “simulated weapons.” The companies are reportedly doing this to ensure that other guests don’t feel uncomfortable and explained that some items can “detract from the movie-going experience.”

Fans are, however, allowed to wear costumes when they go to watch “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” provided they follow the instructions by the theater chains. Some theaters will also not allow any lightsaber toys inside the building.

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