Paramount Pulls ‘Team America: World Police’ As Replacement To ‘The Interview’ In Theaters; Sony Cancels Release Of James Franco - Seth Rogen Flick, In All Formats; Buckles To Hack And Threat
"Team America: World Police" is also pulled as replacement to "The Interview," which was cancelled in theaters across the US.
Theaters are looking to fill the gap left by cancelled screenings of "The Interview," and some found a replacement in 2004's "Team America: World Police."
"The Interview," Sony's satire starring James Franco and Seth Rogen, was left without the support of major theater chains since yesterday, in the wake of the threat message sent by hackers.
Some theaters have already slated "Team America: World Police" as replacement, but it appears Paramount has also pulled the film, which focused on the former North Korean leader Kim Jong-il. The 2004 movie is an animated satire from "South Park" creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is among the chains committed to the screenings, but just released the statement it is cancelling instead.
"Due to to circumstances beyond our control, the TEAM AMERICA 12/27 screening has been cancelled. We apologize & will provide refunds today."
Due to to circumstances beyond our control, the TEAM AMERICA 12/27 screening has been cancelled. We apologize & will provide refunds today.
— Alamo Drafthouse DFW (@AlamoDFW) Disyembre 18, 2014
The Capitol Theater in Cleveland offers further insight on the cancellation, which apparently is an initiative of Paramount. In a tweet:
"Please note: Our Late Shift screening of Team America: World Police has been canceled by Paramount Pictures."
Please note: Our Late Shift screening of Team America: World Police has been canceled by Paramount Pictures. pic.twitter.com/TlPVzIeICW — Capitol Theatre (@CapitolW65th) Disyembre 18, 2014
Last night's announcement is Sony's latest update on plans for "The Interview." An exclusive online release is expected to help in the rebound against the threats, and can also recuperate in revenues, or at the very least, minimize the losses.
Sony has confirmed it won't release "The Interview," in any format whatsoever. "Team America: World Police," on the other hand, remain available online, particularly on Netflix, iTunes, and Amazon (theverge.com).
The replacement, slated for December 27, was even intended for a free screening in some theaters; theater operators will refund tickets already purchased.
James Wallace of the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Dallas/Fort Worth said of the replacement: "We're just trying to make the best of an unfortunate situation." (hollywoodreporter.com)
