It hasn't even been released yet, but the upcoming Seth Rogen and James Franco comedy, The Interview, is already making headlines — unfortunately, though, it's for the wrong reasons. According to numerous reports, hackers that attacked Sony Pictures Entertainment's systems last month and leaked a massive amount of sensitive data including film scripts, damaging emails, and private account information, have reportedly threatened a September 11-like attack on theaters showing the film due to it's plot involving the assassination of North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. The terrifying message (which was posted online Tuesday) has, understandably, been taken seriously by the studio: Though the Department of Homeland security has assured the public that there's no foreseeable threat, film stars Rogen and Franco pulled out of all upcoming press appearances, the studio has canceled the NYC premiere, and Sony has reportedly told theater chains that they don't have to show the film — not to mention, major movie theater chains Regal Entertainment, AMC Entertainment, Cinemark, Carmike Cinemas and Cineplex Entertainment have already announced they do not intend to show the film. It's scary stuff, and it sort of makes you wonder: What does the actor who's actually playing the fictional version of Kim Jong Un think about all of this? In an interview with the LA Times, Randall Park shared his thoughts on threats against The Interview :
"I was kind of expecting it," Park told the LA Times of the threats, before adding that threatening "is kind of their M.O. It's what they do." As for whether or not the threats are legitimate, however, Park isn't worried: "I know that North Korea, although they seem crazy, they're smart and there's no way they would make policy based on a comedy movie...aside from the obvious stuff—like him getting killed—I think Kim might like it."
Park also recalled being hesitant to take on the role at first, and checking with his South Korean parents before accepting the part. "I was super-excited to do it, but I still felt a little nervous about it and I felt like my parents would be a good way for me to test if this was OK...as soon as I brought it up to them, they thought it was hilarious."
As of now, The Interview is still slated for a Dec. 25 release, but there's no telling what will happen in the next week with some major theater chains having already dropped the film.
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