James Franco and Seth Rogen’s ‘The Interview’ Will Not Be Shown in Asia

Film about assassination attempt on North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is suspected to have a connection with ongoing Sony Pictures cyber attack

"The Interview"
Columbia Pictures

Seth Rogen and James Franco‘s “The Interview” is still on track for its domestic premiere, but it is not looking at a full global release. People in Asia will not get a chance to see the film that some suspect is the reason behind the cyber attack on Sony Pictures that crippled the company and continues to leak confidential information about its business and personnel.

A Sony spokesman told the Japan Times that the film will not screen there. He went on to say that decisions about which films are sent into which global markets are made based on whether or not they are deemed suitable for that region, adding that the decision not to screen “The Interview” in Japan was made before hackers attacked Sony Pictures. Representatives for Sony did not have a comment.

The film’s official website has global premiere dates for “The Interview” broken down by regions. After North America, there are many countries listed each for Latin America, Middle East/Africa and Europe. But for the huge Asia Pacific market, only Australia and New Zealand are listed as having premiere dates.

The FBI is investigating the hack on Sony Pictures, as well as its possible connections to North Korea. A message coming from the group claiming responsibility, the Guardians of Peace, demanded “The Interview” not be released. North Korea has been openly critical of the film, but denied any involvement in the cyber attack.

Seth Rogen and James Franco star alonsgide Lizzy Caplan and Randall Park in “The Interview.” Columbia Pictures will release the film on Thursday, Dec. 25.

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