Sony Pictures Entertainment’s situation over THE INTERVIEW arguably set a worrying precedent and one that is having a knock-on effect throughout the industry. Now, as the studio opt not to proceed with the Seth Rogen/James Franco comedy, we learn that thriller PYONGYANG has been scrapped. Set to star Steve Carell and be directed by the versatile Gore Verbinksi, producers New Regency were reportedly pressurized by owners 20th Century Fox (itself part of News Corporation) in response to terror threats from Sony’s hackers. They abandoned the production before Sony made their announcement.
The project – named after the Korean capital – was being adapted from Guy Delisle’s graphic novel by Steve Conrad. The book documents Delisle’s experiences in the country and had the potential to be a potato so hot it would have melted butter on the other side of the room. Carell, who is building a strong reputation as a straight actor following FOXCATCHER, took to Twitter to voice his frustration:
Sad day for creative expression. #feareatsthesoul
— Steve Carell (@SteveCarell) December 17, 2014
Is he right? Do these cancellations reflect the tip of a celluloid iceberg, or is this something that’s going to blow over after a lot of hutzpah? Your comments are, as always, welcome here.
Source: Variety
