The Interview, a 2014 political satire directed by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, stars James Franco and Rogen as journalists Dave Skylark and Aaron Rapoport. They land an exclusive interview with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (Randall Park). Before the interview, the CIA recruits them to assassinate Kim Jong Un. The film follows their journey to North Korea and their attempts to carry out the mission, amidst comedic and chaotic situations. The plot revolves around the interview itself and the unfolding events that lead to the assassination attempt.
2011: Kim Jong Un's succession
In 2011, following Kim Jong Il's death, Kim Jong Un succeeded him as the North Korean leader. This led to Rogen, Goldberg, and Sterling redeveloping the script of 'The Interview' to focus on Kim Jong Un's character.
2011: Project Hold After Kim Jong Il's Death
In 2011, the project to develop 'The Interview' was put on hold when Kim Jong Il died and was succeeded by his son Kim Jong Un.
March 2013: Announcement of The Interview
In March 2013, 'The Interview' was first announced as pre-production began.
March 2013: Rogen and Goldberg to Direct Comedy Film
In March 2013, it was announced that Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg would direct a comedy film for Columbia Pictures, starring Rogen alongside James Franco.
October 10, 2013: Start of principal photography
On October 10, 2013, principal photography for the film began in Vancouver, British Columbia.
October 2013: Casting of Lizzy Caplan, Randall Park and Timothy Simons
In October 2013, Lizzy Caplan was cast as Agent Lacey, and Randall Park and Timothy Simons signed on to co-star as Kim Jong Un and the director of Skylark Tonight respectively.
December 2013: Principal photography concluded
In December 2013, principal photography for 'The Interview' concluded in Vancouver.
December 20, 2013: Conclusion of principal photography
On December 20, 2013, principal photography for 'The Interview' concluded.
2013: Release of This Is the End
In 2013, Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg released 'This Is the End', their first directorial work, preceding 'The Interview'.
June 2014: E-mails Leaked between Sony CEO and RAND Analyst
In June 2014, leaked e-mails revealed discussions between Sony Pictures CEO Michael Lynton and RAND Corporation analyst Bruce Bennett regarding the Jong-un death scene in 'The Interview' and its potential impact on North Korea.
June 2014: North Korean government threatens action
In June 2014, the North Korean government threatened action against the United States if Sony released 'The Interview'. This led to Sony delaying the film's release and reportedly re-editing it.
June 2014: North Korea Threatens Retaliation
In June 2014, the North Korean government, through the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), threatened "stern" and "merciless" retaliation if 'The Interview' was released.
August 2014: Sony Delays The Interview Release
In August 2014, Sony delayed 'The Interview's' release date from October 10 to December 25, 2014 and made post-production alterations to the film to modify its portrayal of North Korea.
November 24, 2014: Sony Pictures Entertainment Hacked
On November 24, 2014, Sony Pictures Entertainment was hacked by a group called "Guardians of Peace", leading to the leak of internal emails, employee records, and unreleased films.
December 11, 2014: The Interview World Premiere in Los Angeles
On December 11, 2014, the world premiere of 'The Interview' was held in Los Angeles.
December 2014: Yoon Mi-rae alleges copyright
In December 2014, South Korean singer Yoon Mi-rae claimed that her song 'Pay Day' was used in the film without permission, leading to legal action.
December 16, 2014: Hackers threaten attacks
On December 16, 2014, the hackers threatened to attack the New York City premiere of 'The Interview' and any theater showing the film.
December 24, 2014: Online digital release of The Interview
On December 24, 2014, following threats and major theater chains opting not to screen the film, Sony released 'The Interview' for online digital rental and purchase.
December 25, 2014: Planned Release Date
December 25, 2014 was the planned release date of 'The Interview'.
December 25, 2014: Limited Theatrical Release in the United States
On December 25, 2014, 'The Interview' opened to a limited release in the United States across 331 theaters.
2014: Release of The Interview
In 2014, The Interview, an American political satire action comedy film directed by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, was released. The film stars James Franco and Rogen as journalists who are recruited by the CIA to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
January 20, 2015: Online Sales and Rentals
By January 20, 2015, 'The Interview' had earned more than $40 million from online sales and rentals.
January 25, 2015: End of Theatrical Run
By the end of its run on January 25, 2015, 'The Interview' had grossed $6.1 million at the box office.
February 6, 2015: Scheduled Release in the UK and Ireland
On February 6, 2015, 'The Interview' was scheduled for a wide release in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
February 17, 2015: Blu-ray and DVD Release
On February 17, 2015, Sony released 'The Interview' on Blu-ray Disc and DVD, packaged as the "Freedom Edition".
May 13, 2015: Settlement reached with Yoon Mi-rae
On May 13, 2015, Yoon Mi-rae and her label Feel Ghood Music reached a settlement with Sony Pictures regarding the unauthorized use of her song 'Pay Day'.
July 21, 2015: Home Release Sales
As of July 21, 2015, the film had earned over $6.7 million in sales in the U.S.
Mentioned in this timeline
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