Celebrities and others react to Sony's announcement Tuesday that it will release Seth Rogen and James Franco's embattled North Korean satire, "The Interview," in some theaters on Christmas:
? "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!" ? Rogen on Twitter.
? "VICTORY!!!!!!! The PEOPLE and THE PRESIDENT have spoken!!! SONY to release THE INTERVIEW in theaters on XMAS DAY! CELEBRATING!!!!! "The Interview" starring Seth Rogen and James Flacco saved by President Obacco! I MEAN PRESIDENT OBAMA!!!!! Sorry!!!" ? Franco on Instagram.
? "The president applauds Sony's decision to authorize screenings of the film. 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." Eric Schultz, spokesman for President Barack Obama, in a statement.
? "...Giving this parody the broadest viewership possible will be the best response to the threats and cyber attacks from the regime of Kim Jong-un. Free expression is the bedrock principle of a democratic society and is especially important in the arts. We must not allow the world's most oppressive dictatorship to have a veto over what American audiences can see at their local theater, or in their own homes." ? U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank, in a statement.
? "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 Interview" co-writer-director, Evan Goldberg, on Twitter.
? "I will be showing "The Interview" at my theater, The Bijou, in Traverse City, beginning on ChristmasDay. #NoCensorshipEver #thankyouSony" ? Documentarian Michael Moore on Twitter.
? "Can't wait for Ben Affleck's film about the making, marketing and release of "The Interview." #OscarWatch2019" ? "Night at the Museum" director Shawn Levy on Twitter.
? "...Just as I hoped, indie movie theaters step up. Good!" ? Salman Rushdie on Twitter.
? "...We are proud to make it available to the public and to have stood up to those who attempted to suppress free speech." ? Sony Entertainment chief Michael Lynton in a statement.
? "Massively proud to have been a part of THE INTERVIEW, which will be shown in theatres willing to play it on Christmas Day." ? Actor Timothy Simons, who has a role in the film, on Twitter.
? "''The Interview" to screen Xmas day in Austin & Atlanta. So our free speech is finally safe again. Glad that's over. #Sony" ? Actor Harry Shearer on Twitter.
? "This is the best Christmas gift anyone could give us. We, both distributors and exhibitors, have collectively stood firm to our principles and for the right to freedom of expression. Two days til Christmas, and I am proud to be an American." ? Tim League, chief of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema theaters in a statement.
? "Glad to see @JamesFrancoTV and @Sethrogen happy and plugged in again. Welcome back guys, we missed you! #TheInterview" ? Rob Lowe on Twitter.
Source: http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/rogen-franco-react-interview-release-27793518
