More Screenings of ‘The Interview’ Cancelled in Response to Terror Threat

The Interview Screenings Cancelled Due to Threat
Sook (Diana Bang) with Aaron (Seth Rogen) and Dave (James Franco) in Columbia Pictures´ THE INTERVIEW (Photo © 2014 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

You’d have to be living under a rock to not have heard that Sony’s been hacked and emails from high-ranking Sony executives as well as producers and actors have been released causing embarrassment for the company. However, the situation escalated when the group behind the hack – thought to be a North Korean response to the upcoming release of The Interview – threatened attacks at movie theaters screening the film. In response, theater chains have decided to not show the movie which is scheduled for a Christmas release.

Carmike Cinemas, Arclight Cinemas, and Bow Tie Cinemas are among the chains that have opted not to show the comedy film, and it’s likely other theaters will also pull The Interview from their schedule (The Hollywood Reporter says Regal Entertainment, AMC Entertainment, and Cinemark have just canceled their plans to show it).

In addition, the New York premiere was canceled and The Interview‘s stars, Seth Rogen and James Franco, canceled their participation in a press tour that was underway in support of the R-rated comedy. Rogen also co-wrote and co-directed the film with his long-time friend and creative partner Evan Goldberg, and had been promoting the film for months prior to this threat from hackers. [see our interview here]

Although Homeland Security doesn’t have credible evidence that any theaters have been targeted for attacks, Sony has told exhibitors that it’s their decision whether to yank the film or go ahead and screen it as planned. And the National Association of Theatre Owners has just issued a statement regarding The Interview and the possibility of not putting on public screenings of the film:

“The ability of our guests to enjoy the entertainment they choose in safety and comfort is and will continue to be a priority for theater owners. While we do not discuss security procedures or policies, NATO members are working closely with the appropriate security and law enforcement agencies. We are encouraged that the authorities have made progress in their investigation and we look forward to the time when the responsible criminals are apprehended. Until that happens, individual cinema operators may decide to delay exhibition of the movie so that our guests may enjoy a safe holiday movie season experiencing the many other exciting films we have to offer.”

Update: It’s Official – Sony Cancels The Interview

The Interview Plot:

Dave Skylark (James Franco) and his producer Aaron Rapoport (Seth Rogen) run the popular celebrity tabloid TV show ‘Skylark Tonight.’ When they discover that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is a fan of the show, they land an interview with him in an attempt to legitimize themselves as journalists. As Dave and Aaron prepare to travel to Pyongyang, their plans change when the CIA recruits them, perhaps the most unlikely candidates, to ‘take out’ Kim Jong-un.

Watch the trailer: