After days of taking criticism for pulling The Interview from release, Sony decided to put the film out after all, albeit only at independent theaters. Still, actors James Franco and Seth Rogen were certainly happy about the decision, as was President Obama.
On Tuesday, the Alamo Drafthouse chain in Texas and Atlanta’s Plaza Theater were the first to announce that they would be showing The Interview on Christmas Day. Moments later, Sony formally announced the list of theaters that will show the film. More theaters will play it starting on Jan. 1 and Jan. 2.
Franco celebrated the news with a post on Instagram, making reference to Obama getting his name wrong during the year-end press conference over the weekend. “CELEBRATING!!!!! "The Interview" starring Seth Rogen and James Flacco saved by President Obacco! I MEAN PRESIDENT OBAMA!!!!! Sorry!!!” the post read.
Rogen, who co-wrote and co-directed the film, tweeted, “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!”
Evan Goldberg, Rogen’s collaborator, added, “Thanks to everyone who didn't give up on our movie! @Sethrogen & I are humbled & overwhelmed by your support. Hope you enjoy the film!”
The White House also applauded the move, just days after Obama called it a mistake for Sony to pull it in the first place.
“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 theaters allows people to make their own choices about the film, and we welcome that outcome,” the statement read, notes The Huffington Post.
The Interview was initially supposed to have a wide release on Christmas Day and probably would have gotten lost in the shuffle had hackers not raised the film’s profile. U.S. officials have officially linked the North Korean government to the hackers, who leaked thousands of internal emails from Sony Pictures.
The hackers then threatened any theater that showed it, so the major theater chains backed off and Sony decided to pull the film completely, even though indie theaters said they would show it. Tuesday’s move came after days of criticism, with some suggesting that freedom of speech was denied, since Sony capitulated to the wishes of an isolated dictator and denying American audiences the right to see the film.
image of James Franco courtesy of INFphoto.com