WASHINGTON – Several local movie theaters will show the film that North Korea doesn’t want Americans to see.
The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Ashburn, Virginia, has just posted showtimes for “The Interview,” the controversial comedy starring James Franco and Seth Rogen in a plot to assassinate North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un. Showtimes start on Thursday, Christmas Day.
A representative for Manassas 4 Cinemas also says the theater will show “The Interview” on Christmas Day. The times are 12:50 p.m., 2:5 p.m., 5 p.m., 7:05 p.m. and 9:05 p.m.
And West End Cinema, 2301 M St. NW, will also show the film, says owner Josh Levin. The theater typical shows independent films and documentaries but several of the theater’s regular customers, who prefer stuffier fare like ballet and opera, tell Levin they plan to come to make a statement.
“We’re coming to see this film even though we wouldn’t be caught dead going to see a Seth Rogen film. We’re coming to support the idea that nobody gets to censor us,” Levin says his customers are telling him.
The threat of violence against Levin’s business won’t dissuade him from playing the film, which would normally find a home at much larger multiplexes.
“I think the much greater threat is the threat to our civil liberties and to our freedom of expression by giving in to idle threats by bullying, to censorship,” Levin says.
Sony Entertainment CEO Michael Lynton says the farce “will be in a number of theaters on Christmas Day.” He says Sony is continuing efforts to release the film on more platforms and in more theaters.
The film’s stars tweeted their enthusiasm for the decision:
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!
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) December 23, 2014
VICTORY!!!!!!! The PEOPLE and THE PRESIDENT have spoken!!! SONY to release THE INTERVIEW in theaters… http://t.co/0KyZQAB6cf — James Franco (@JamesFrancoTV) December 23, 2014
Sony Pictures Entertainment canceled the nationwide release last week after receiving threats from hackers hailing from North Korea, according to the FBI.
The cancellation spawned outrage from many, including from President Barack Obama, who called it a “mistake” to pull the film from theaters.
Several other theaters across the country have already announced screenings, including The Alamo Drafthouse in Texas and Atlanta’s Plaza Theater.
Watch the trailer below:
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