Seth Rogen, James Franco thrilled that <em>The Interview</em> will be released

Los Angeles - Celebrities and others react to Sony's announcement on Tuesday that it will release Seth Rogen and James Franco's embattled North Korean satire, The Interview, in some theatres on Christmas:

- "The president applauds Sony's decision to authorise screenings of the film. As the president made clear, we are a country that believes in free speech, and the right of artistic expression. The decision made by Sony and participating theatres allows people to make their own choices about the film, and we welcome that outcome." Eric Schultz, spokesperson for President Barack Obama, in a statement.

- "...Giving this parody the broadest viewership possible will be the best response to the threats and cyber attacks from the regime of Kim Jong-un. Free expression is the bedrock principle of a democratic society and is especially important in the arts. We must not allow the world's most oppressive dictatorship to have a veto over what American audiences can see at their local theater, or in their own homes." — said Adam Schiff in a statement.

- "...We are proud to make it available to the public and to have stood up to those who attempted to suppress free speech." — Sony Entertainment chief Michael Lynton in a statement.

-"This is the best Christmas gift anyone could give us. We, both distributors and exhibitors, have collectively stood firm to our principles and for the right to freedom of expression. Two days til Christmas, and I am proud to be an American." — Tim League, chief of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema theaters in a statement.

The people have spoken! Freedom has prevailed! Sony didn't give up! The Interview will be shown at theaters willing to play it on Xmas day!

— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) December 23, 2014

CELEBRATING!!!!! "The Interview" starring Seth Rogen and James Flacco saved by President Obacco! I MEAN PRESIDENT OBAMA!!!!! Sorry!!! ??????????

Fotka zverejnená uživatelem James Franco (@jamesfrancotv), Pro 12, 2014 at 10:31 PST

Thanks to everyone who didn't give up on our movie! @Sethrogen & I are humbled & overwhelmed by your support. Hope you enjoy the film!

— Evan Goldberg (@evandgoldberg) December 23, 2014

I will be showing "The Interview" at my theater, The Bijou, in Traverse City, beginning on ChristmasDay. #NoCensorshipEver #thankyouSony

— Michael Moore (@MMFlint) December 23, 2014

"Sony’s ‘The Interview’ Will Come to Some Theaters After All http://t.co/7p0Q832TV3” Just as I hoped,indie movie theaters step up. Good!

— Salman Rushdie (@SalmanRushdie) December 23, 2014

Massively proud to have been a part of THE INTERVIEW, which will be shown in theatres willing to play it on Christmas Day.

— Timothy Simons (@timothycsimons) December 23, 2014

"The Interview" to screen Xmas day in Austin & Atlanta. So our free speech is finally safe again. Glad that's over. #Sony

— Harry Shearer (@theharryshearer) December 23, 2014

Glad to see @JamesFrancoTV and @Sethrogen happy and plugged in again. Welcome back guys, we missed you! #TheInterview

— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) December 23, 2014