Sony's decision to scrap The Interview's theatrical release affects a lot of people, but two names that instantly pop to mind are the film's leading stars—Seth Rogen and James Franco. So how are they dealing with the unfortunate announcement?
Well, Rogen was spotted arriving at Sony Studios in Culver City, Calif., early this morning, shortly after landing back in Los Angeles. An eyewitness tells E! News that the celeb, who was joined with a few bodyguards for the visit, seemed to be in good spirits despite the nature of his visit.
The specific details surrounding his big business meeting have not been revealed, however, it's been reported that the fallout is costing the film somewhere near a $90 million loss (prior to the cancellation). So it's very possible that the money issue is a topic of the meeting. Or maybe it's a general WTF is going on? pow-wow.
Meanwhile, Seth's partner in crime, Franco, posted a number of festive photos on his Instagram account last night from a private holiday party in Manhattan that included famous guests Lady Gaga and Courtney Love.
"Happy Hanukkah @ladygaga + me," the actor captioned a snapshot with the "Born This Way" singer. "Holiday party with klaus and the ladies: #marinaabromavic @ladygaga @klausbiesenbach @courtneylove," he wrote with another picture.
Earlier today, Franco posted another photo, but this time he was drawing attention to a paparazzo that was following him on a Vespa. "Look at this poor guy...He has to follow me around all day and harass me with his stupid camera to make a living. #nightcrawler."
Although Seth Rogen and James Franco haven't addressed the cancellation on social media (like other celebs), the pair talked about the Sony hack with Howard Stern on Monday and criticized the media for giving the hackers "exactly what these criminals want" by writing about leaked information.
"In light of the decision by the majority of our exhibitors not to show the film The Interview, we have decided not to move forward with the planned December 25 theatrical release," the studio said in a statement obtained by NBC News. "We respect and understand our partners' decision and, of course, completely share their paramount interest in the safety of employees and theater-goers.
"Sony Pictures has been the victim of an unprecedented criminal assault against our employees, our customers, and our business. Those who attacked us stole our intellectual property, private emails, and sensitive and proprietary material, and sought to destroy our spirit and our morale—all apparently to thwart the release of a movie they did not like. We are deeply saddened at this brazen effort to suppress the distribution of a movie, and in the process do damage to our company, our employees, and the American public. We stand by our filmmakers and their right to free expression and are extremely disappointed by this outcome."
Guardians of Peace, the group that has claimed responsibility for the hacking and data theft that has left Sony and their fellow studios shaking in their boots, had issued a new threat warning that a "Christmas present" was in store by invoking the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Federal investigators connected the hacking of Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. to North Korea, a U.S. official revealed on Wednesday. Bernadette Meehan, National Security Council spokeswoman, said the United States was "considering a range of options" in response.
—Reporting by Michelle Falls