Hollywood’s creative community was outraged at Sony’s decision to yank the release of “The Interview” as actors, directors, writers and other celebrities took to social media to express themselves.
“Damn. Bad guys won,” tweeted Mia Farrow in a comment virtually echoed by actor Rob Lowe, who wrote: “Everyone caved. The hackers won.”
Jimmy Kimmel called it “an act of cowardice.”
“The West Wing” and “The Newsroom” creator Aaron Sorkin also released a statement, saying in part, “The wishes of the terrorists were fulfilled in part by easily distracted members of the American press who chose gossip and schadenfreude-fueled reporting over a story with immeasurable consequences for the public–a story that was developing right in front of their eyes.”
“I think it is disgraceful that these theaters are not showing ‘The Interview,’” said director and frequent Seth Rogen collaborator, Judd Apatow. “Will they pull any movie that gets an anonymous threat now?”
Director Joe Carnahan tweeted angrily: “This capitulation will reverberate across the expanse of the business for years & years to come. It’s the worst kind of Catch-22 imaginable.”
Still, others were dubious.
“I’ll be honest with you, this whole ‘The Interview’ controversy is a publicity stunt,” comedian Colin Quinn added.
Here are the initial reactions.
“Today the U.S. succumbed to an unprecedented attack on our most cherished, bedrock principle of free speech by a group of North Korean terrorists who threatened to kill moviegoers in order to stop the release of a movie. The wishes of the terrorists were fulfilled in part by easily distracted members of the American press who chose gossip and schadenfreude-fueled reporting over a story with immeasurable consequences for the public–a story that was developing right in front of their eyes. My deepest sympathies go out to Sony Pictures, Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg and everyone who worked on ‘The Interview.’ ” — Aaron Sorkin
Wow. Everyone caved. The hackers won. An utter and complete victory for them. Wow.
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) December 17, 2014
https://twitter.com/michaelianblack/status/545332154272862209
Dear Sony Hackers: now that u run Hollywood, I'd also like less romantic comedies, fewer Michael Bay movies and no more Transformers.
— Michael Moore (@MMFlint) December 17, 2014
https://twitter.com/LamarrWilson/status/545342545425756160
I'm sorry….but find me one theater where "The Interview" will run…and I'm there. Who's with me? #TeamAmerica
— trey wingo (@wingoz) December 17, 2014
I hope Seth Rogan and James Franco's movie about their movie being cancelled by North Koreans is a stoner comedy
— Bruce Arthur (@bruce_arthur) December 17, 2014
I'll be honest with you, this whole "The Interview" controversy is a publicity stunt.
— Colin Quinn (@iamcolinquinn) December 17, 2014
Damn. Bad guys won RT @nytimes: Breaking News: Sony Pictures Cancels Holiday Release of ‘The Interview’ After Threatshttp://t.co/lxdhYQpUzY
— Mia Farrow 🏳️🌈 🌻🇺🇸💙 (@MiaFarrow) December 17, 2014
I think it is disgraceful that these theaters are not showing The Interview. Will they pull any movie that gets an anonymous threat now?
— Judd Apatow 🇺🇦 (@JuddApatow) December 17, 2014
. @JuddApatow I agree wholeheartedly. An un-American act of cowardice that validates terrorist actions and sets a terrifying precedent.
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) December 17, 2014
Can Dennis Rodman get on the phone with Kim Jong-Un so I don't have to see any more of this "The Interview" coverage on CNN? Please?
— MATT HARDY (@MATTHARDYBRAND) December 17, 2014
https://twitter.com/PedroPascal1/status/545351524029722624
https://twitter.com/zachbraff/status/545349767400677376
City of Atlanta demands all remaining prints of gone with the wind be destroyed
— Albert Brooks (@AlbertBrooks) December 17, 2014
Sad day for creative expression. #feareatsthesoul
— Steve Carell (@SteveCarell) December 17, 2014