Starring Seth Rogen alongside James Franco, the 2014 satirical film The Interview found itself at the center of the infamous Sony hacking scandal, around the time of its release. While not confirmed, the film’s edgy content is believed to have triggered the cyberattack.
However, amid the fallout, which led to a massive leak of internal emails, employee records, and unreleased Sony Pictures films, the film’s star Rogen took the opportunity to express his gratitude to Amy Pascal for her courage in bringing the movie to life.
Amy Pascal Faced Fallout From Sony Hacking Scandal
Sony Pictures became a target of a high-profile hacking incident, around the release of the 2014 film The Interview. Starring Seth Rogen and James Franco, it follows two journalists who are tasked with a mission to kill the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un when they land an interview with him.
The film’s plot stirred significant controversy, and the former Sony co-Chairperson Amy Pascal faced criticism for greenlighting the project that many believe triggered the cyberattack.
The hack also revealed racial remarks made by Amy Pascal in her private emails with The Social Network producer Scott Rudin. The emails were revealed to contain inappropriate comments about former U.S. President Barack Obama.
The conversation included discussions on his possible preferences for African American movies and actors. “Ride-along. I bet he likes Kevin Hart,” said Rudin, with Pascal stating, “I doubt it. Should I ask him if he liked DJANGO?”
The revelation led the Hollywood film producer to issue an apology, taking full responsibility for the offensive content of the emails and expressing regret for any offense caused. As per Variety, she said,
The content of my emails were insensitive and inappropriate but are not an accurate reflection of who I am — I accept full responsibility for what I wrote and apologize to everyone who was offended
However, despite the backlash from both her controversial remarks and her support for The Interview, Rogen publicly defended Pascal at a Los Angeles premiere, praising her bravery in backing the film.
Seth Rogen Praised Amy Pascal for Brave Decision on The Interview
With the film release amid the hacking scandal, The Interview faced a significant amount of backlash. However, cast and attendees at the Los Angeles premiere, largely avoided discussing the situation.
While Rogen avoided specific questions, the actor took the opportunity to commend Amy Pascal, then Sony Pictures co-chairperson, for her bravery in supporting the film.
“I’d like to thank Amy Pascal for having the balls to make this movie,” he said, taking the stage with co-director Evan Goldberg. Following the hacking scandal, the film producer stepped down as head of Sony Pictures.
Rogen once again came in her defense while criticizing the media coverage surrounding the hacking. “Look what happened as a result of all that,” he said in an interview before adding, “One person lost their job, a woman who was running the studio.”
Rogen also praised Pascal for her efforts to advance gender equality and reduce homophobia in films. After leaving Sony, she founded her production company and produced films like Ghostbusters and Spider-Man: Homecoming.
The Interview is available to rent on Apple TV+.
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