'The Interview' Stars Seth Rogen & James Franco Celebrate As Sony Announces Limited Christmas Day Release
The Interview will be shown in limited cinemas in the US from Christmas Day. Sony Pictures Entertainment has granted the film's release despite threats from hackers directed at cinema goers. Mounting political pressure, including a number of statements released by President Barack Obama, is believed to have contributed to Sony's decision to release The Interview.
James Franco and Seth Rogen at the Los Angeles premiere of The Interview in December 2014.
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The Interview has been picked up by a number of independent cinemas including two in Austin and Atlanta. A representative for Sony stated the company is hoping the film is picked up by more venues and eventually will be widely available. The film is likely to be shown in around 200 around the US, according to The Wrap. Reports from the same source also suggest Sony may make the film available for a video on-demand release.
The news of The Interview's release was announced on Tuesday morning (23rd December) by Michael Lynton, the chairman and CEO of Sony. In a statement Lynton described the company's continued efforts to have The Interview released and thanked the film's cast and crew for their support.
"We have never given up on releasing The Interview and we're excited our movie will be in a number of theatres on Christmas Day. At the same time, we are continuing our efforts to secure more platforms and more theatres so that this movie reaches the largest possible audience," Lynton said in the statement. "I want to thank our talent on The Interview and our employees, who have worked tirelessly through the many challenges we have all faced over the last month. While we hope this is only the first step of the film's release, we are proud to make it available to the public and to have stood up to those who attempted to suppress free speech."
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The release of The Interview was cancelled after the group issued a series of threats against cinema goers which have been dubbed the first acts of 'cyberterrorism'. Following the hacks and subsequent threats, political pressure on Sony mounted with President Obama issuing a series of statements in support of The Interview's release.
Obama has been one of the first to celebrate the news and the White House issued a statement in which the President emphasised the importance of free speech and artistic express. The statement from the White House is as follows:
"The president applauds Sony's decision to authorize screenings of the film. As the President made clear, we are a country that believes in free speech, and the right of artistic expression. The decision made by Sony and participating theatres allows people to make their own choices about the film, and we welcome that outcome."
The people have spoken! Freedom has prevailed! Sony didn't give up! The Interview will be shown at theaters willing to play it on Xmas day!
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) December 23, 2014The film's stars, Seth Rogen and James Franco, have also celebrated Sony's decision to release the film. Rogen, on Twitter, wrote "The people have spoken! Freedom has prevailed! Sony didn't give up! The Interview will be shown at theaters willing to play it on Xmas day!" Franco, on Instagram, posted an photograph with the caption "CELEBRATING!!!!! The Interview starring Seth Rogen and James Flacco saved by President Obacco! I MEAN PRESIDENT OBAMA!!!!! Sorry!!!" The deliberate misspelling of Obama's name is in response to an interview given by Obama in which he accidently referred to Franco as 'Flacco'.
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