‘Star Wars’ Advance Ticket Demand Crashes U.K. Theater Websites

The websites of cinema chains across the U.K. have been buckling under the strain of demand on the first day of advance tickets sales for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which goes on release Dec. 17.

Odeon and Picturehouse cinemas both admitted that their websites had been affected Monday, while CineWorld also said there had been issues for some customers. A Picturehouse spokesman claimed there had been “unprecedented” demand.

Vue, which has 80 sites and is the U.K.’s third largest theater operator, said it had sold 10,000 tickets in the first 90 minutes of going on sale. A spokesperson said it was the company’s “biggest first hour of advance ticket sales seen so far this year” and that it would normally take a “matter of weeks” for sales to reach this level.

Naturally, Twitter was the destination for many of those wishing to express their frustration at the situation.

The Force is not strong with the Odeon website today. Took Yoda’s advice too literally they did; load or do not, there is no try. #StarWars

— Joel Tennant (@ThatTennantGuy) October 19, 2015

Is “I’m sorry, I was trying to book Star Wars tickets but the Odeon site kept crashing” a valid excuse for being late for work?

— Ailsa Scott (@ailsas) October 19, 2015

What do Alderaan and #StarWars ticket sales from @cineworld have in common? They’re nowhere to be seen.

— James Scott (@JamesRobertScot) October 19, 2015

Advanced tickets sales for J.J. Abrams‘ eagerly-anticipated Star Wars installment are due to go on sale in the U.S. after the debut of the latest trailer during ESPN’s Monday Night Football game between the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles.

Disney announced in a statement that following the launch of the trailer, tickets would be sold everywhere movie tickets are sold.