Someone is taking the threats against Sony and its release of “The Interview” seriously, apparently, as the New York premiere of the Seth Rogen and James Franco comedy has been canceled following threats from hackers of a “9/11-style attack” if the film is released. “We recommend you to keep yourself distant from the places at that time,” the hacker group Guardians of Peace allegedly threatened. “Whatever comes in the coming days is called by the greed of Sony Pictures Entertainment.” Police spokesman in Los Angeles, where the film already celebrated a premiere, say there is “no credible threat.” UPDATE: While readers might not think much of the threats, theater owners apparently do. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the top five national movie theater chains have opted out of showing “The Interview” starting Dec. 25. “Due to the wavering support of the film The Interview by Sony Pictures, as well as the ambiguous nature of any real or perceived security threats, Regal Entertainment Group has decided to delay the opening of the film in our theatres,” a spokesman for Regal says in a statement.AMC Entertainment, Cinemark, Carmike Cinemas and Cineplex Entertainment have made similar decisions. But what about Rogen and Franco? As far as we can tell from social media, the film’s stars have other things on their minds, like Taylor Swift and the paparazzi.
Kinda bummed I wasn’t invited to Taylor Swift’s birthday party.
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) December 13, 2014
“Knocked Up” director Judd Apatow, though, is more than happy to take up the cause for them, making his feelings perfectly clear on Twitter.
I am not going to let a terrorist threat shut down freedom of speech. I am going to The Interview.
— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) December 17, 2014
.@ikebarinholtz people will now want to see it to know why they are so afraid of it. So their plan to suppress it will ultimately backfire
— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) December 17, 2014
“@usatodaylife: .@JuddApatow vows to see ‘The Interview’ http://t.co/nRRN2S4Gn5 pic.twitter.com/xiHU48LTll” Yes AGAIN. It is hilarious.
— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) December 17, 2014
So what do you think? Assuming “The Interview” makes it to a theater near you on Christmas Day, will you be going to see it?
Follow Ned Ehrbar on Twitter: @nedrick
