Sony's Controversial Comedy THE INTERVIEW Grosses $40 Million in Rentals & Sales

According to Variety, Sony's controversial comedy THE INTERVIEW, pulled from its wide Christmas Day release, has taken in $40 million in rentals and sales.

Dave Skylark (James Franco) and his producer Aaron Rapoport (Seth Rogen) run the popular celebrity tabloid TV show "Skylark Tonight." When they discover that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is a fan of the show, they land an interview with him in an attempt to legitimize themselves as journalists. As Dave and Aaron prepare to travel to Pyongyang, their plans change when the CIA recruits them, perhaps the most unlikely candidates, to 'take out' Kim Jong-un.

After terrorist threats and all of its troubles, THE INTERIEW appears likely to be a loss for the studio. Per the report: "It cost roughly $75 million to produce and market, according to knowledgeable insiders, and theatrical ticket sales have been minuscule. The film has made roughly $6 million domestically."

The film is directed by Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg from a screenplay by Dan Sterling and a story by Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg & Dan Sterling. Executive producers include Dan Sterling, Kyle Hunter, Ariel Shaffir, James Franco, Shawn Williamson and Ben Waisbren. Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg and James Weaver serve as producers.

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com.

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