James Franco and Seth Rogen have gained a lot of attention with their latest comedy film, The Interview. So much attention, in fact, that Sony Pictures has pushed back the release date of the film from October 10th to the much more competitive December 25th slot, otherwise known as Christmas Day.
“The combination of Seth, Evan and James is pure comedic magic,” Sony’s Worldwide Distribution President Rory Bruer said according to the Los Angeles Times, “We’re thrilled to be making the move to Christmas — one of the most important moviegoing days of the year and the perfect date to show off their brand of comedy.”
The Interview has a lot to compete against. Movies opening on Christmas include Unbroken, Selma, Into the Woods, Paddington, Big Eyes, and Hot Tub Time Machine 2. Moviegoers will have a lot to choose from, and Sony is placing its bets on Seth Rogen and James Franco. Previously, Sony scheduled an untitled romantic comedy directed by Cameron Crowe for Christmas. The Los Angeles Times reports that Crowe’s movie will now come out May 2015.
Those who will be presumably not seeing the movie on Christmas day include North Korean Ambassador to the United Nations Ja Song Nam who called it “an act of war”.
The North Korean Foreign Ministry has described the movie as “despicable”, adding, “if the United States administration tacitly approves or supports the release of this film, we will take decisive and merciless countermeasure.”
In other words, James Franco and Seth Rogen have alienated their fans in the North Korean government.
People don't usually wanna kill me for one of my movies until after they've paid 12 bucks for it. Hiyooooo!!!
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) June 25, 2014
Seth Rogen and James Franco’s collaborations won’t stop in December with the release of The Interview. They will both appear in The Sound and the Fury, based on William Faulkner’s novel, which Franco happens to be directing.
Venice First Look: James Franco, Seth Rogen And Danny McBride In 'The Sound And The Fury' http://t.co/Y1yF6LV4ek What do you think? #Film
— 72 Hours Movie (@72HoursMovie) August 12, 2014
Image via Sony Pictures Entertainment, YouTube