Christian Bale has expressed his "horror" over the Colorado shootings that happened at a screening of his new movie, The Dark Knight Rises.

James Holmes opened fire at a midnight screening of the Christopher Nolan-directed film in Aurora on Friday morning, killing twelve people and injuring over 50 more.

Christian - who plays iconic superhero Batman in the film franchise - has spoken out about the tragic movie massacre.

"Words cannot express the horror that I feel," he said in a statement. "I cannot begin to truly understand the pain and grief of the victims and their loved ones, but my heart goes out to them."

Christian's words follow a statement from filmmaker Nolan on Friday. The director expressed his anguish at the horrific shootings that have shocked millions of people across the globe.

"I would not presume to know anything about the victims of the shooting but that they were there last night to watch a movie. I believe movies are one of the great American art forms and the shared experience of watching a story unfold on screen is an important and joyful pastime," he said. "The movie theatre is my home, and the idea that someone would violate that innocent and hopeful place in such an unbearably savage way is devastating to me.

"Speaking on behalf of the cast and crew of The Dark Knight Rises, I would like to express our profound sorrow at the senseless tragedy that has befallen the entire Aurora community."

Christian was speaking from Paris - where he was due to appear at the French premiere of the movie. However Warner Bros. decided to cancel the red carpet event after the shootings occurred in Colorado.

The actor and his co-stars, including Anne Hathaway and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, were pictured boarding a private plane on Saturday afternoon. They are said to be returning to Los Angeles. (