Planned Steve Carell Movie Scrapped; New Film Set In North Korea Ditched, Follows Suit To Sony’s Decision To Nick ‘The Interview’; Director Releases Statement, Finds The Situation Ironic

An upcoming Steve Carell's movie is scrapped in the wake of the Sony hack and studio cancels.

Steve Carell's movie, based on the Guy Delisle graphic novel about an American employed in North Korea, was intended to begin shooting March 2015 in Serbia, but the "Foxcatcher" actor confirmed in a USA Today interview plans are now scrapped.

Steve Carell's "Foxcatcher" is released under the wing of Sony Pictures Classics, of the Sony Films umbrella. The scrapped movie was planned for an October release, helmed by director Gore Verbinski.

Verbinski said in a statement, as reported by Deadline:

"Re: Pyongyang

Getting the facts straight:

Yesterday, I was told by New Regency and Fox that Fox will no longer be distributing the film. Prior to that, the film was green lit and fully funded by New Regency with Fox distributing. I have been told in no uncertain words that based on the situation at Sony, Fox has now decided to not distribute the film. Without a distributor, New Regency was forced to shut the film down.

My thoughts:

I find it ironic that fear is eliminating the possibility to tell stories that depict our ability to overcome fear.

Gore Verbinski"

Steve Carell's movie is officially abandoned, and even though the lead of TV's "The Office" didn't make any official statement on the matter, he expressed his thoughts in a tweet Wednesday:

"Sad day for creative expression. #feareatsthesoul"

Sad day for creative expression. #feareatsthesoul

— Steve Carell (@SteveCarell) Disyembre 17, 2014

In related news, theaters in Toronto, Canada have also cancelled screenings of "The Interview"; 17 Rainbow and Magic Lantern Theaters followed through on the decision US theater chains made over the week.

A spokesperson told local CBC News it's still uncertain if the decision will be reversed.

"Cineplex takes seriously its commitment to the freedom of artistic expression, but we want to reassure our guests and staff that their safety and security is our No. 1 priority. We look forward to a time when this situation is resolved and those responsible are apprehended." (cbc.ca)