Did you throw your hands up in despair—”the holidays are ruined!”—when Sony Pictures, after being targeted by one of the largest cyber attacks in recent history, decided to cancel the theatrical debut of the controversial-for-sake-of-controversy James Franco and Seth Rogen comedy The Interview?
Hopefully your holiday happiness didn’t totally rely on seeing the film, but, if it did, we have good news for you—The Interview will be playing in Yonkers’ Alamo Drafthouse Cinema through January 1. The theater chain’s CEO, Tim League, took to Twitter to break the news.
Breaking news: Sony has authorized screenings of THE INTERVIEW on Christmas Day. We are making shows available within the hour. #Victory
— Tim League (@timalamo) December 23, 2014
The Drafthouse started screening The Interview on Christmas and will continue each midnight through New Year’s (excluding New Year’s Eve).
Sony canceled the release of The Interview after hackers, allegedly in response to the film’s controversial plot, hacked into Sony’s servers and leaked a massive amount of data including unreleased films, financial data, and embarrassing emails. The FBI has pointed the finger at North Korean hackers—the film has been denounced by North Korea for casting Franco and Rogen as journalists who are assigned to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
Some celebrities took to Twitter to voice their opinions after the films’ debut was axed.
I think it is disgraceful that these theaters are not showing The Interview. Will they pull any movie that gets an anonymous threat now?
— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) December 17, 2014
. @JuddApatow I agree wholeheartedly. An un-American act of cowardice that validates terrorist actions and sets a terrifying precedent.
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) December 17, 2014
In reaction to the news the film would be released after all, Rogen 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!”
The film’s co-director, Evan Goldberg, tweeted, “Thanks to everyone who didn’t give up on our movie! @Sethrogen & I are humbled & overwhelmed by your support. Hope you enjoy the film!”
“We have never given up on releasing The Interview and we’re excited our movie will be in a number of theaters on Christmas Day,” said Michael Lynton, Sony’s chairman and CEO.
As for the Alamo Drafthouse in Yonkers, they say they are excited to show the film, too. But remember—no talking or texting during the show.
