7 reasons why Paramount banned this 10-year-old movie

Paramount Pictures stepped into the Sony Hack debate today when the studio decided to make an executive decision on a decade old film that was going to screen at movie theaters over the Christmas break.

With 'The Interview' totally canceled, and a furious outcry in Hollywood, some movie theaters decided it was about time to fight back the evilness of this great tragedy. With North Korea firmly on the minds of theater owners, losing 'The Interview' was both painful and tragic to ignore.

A surge in interest for 'Team America: World Police' (2004) led to several movie theaters deciding to open the film instead to celebrate the defiant American dream and freedom of expression.

However, 3 cinemas were contacted by Paramount a short-while later and told to ditch screenings of the movies which were scheduled to run over the Christmas period.

That's right folks. A satire, that was produced 10 years ago before Youtube, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Snapchat was born suddenly died today.

Paramount gave 0 feedback on why they decided to ban the film screenings. There are several possible theories:

1. The studio wants to show solidarity with Sony and not exploit the painful hack that would make them appear greedy.
2. There is a legitimate security concern for audiences that is still being investigated.
3. Paramount doesn't want to get hacked.
4. There are legal repercussions should there be violence at theaters following the hack threat.
5. The White House has stated this is a national security matter meaning Paramount would look irresponsible if they gave a green light to a film that mocks North Korea.
6. The industry needs some timeout to fix up cyber defenses before getting bold and angry with new movie releases that insult North Korea.

Or

7. At the request of law enforcement or intelligence agencies, Paramount was advised to issue the order to cancel screenings for recent threats we are not even aware of.

Let's just say it's too early to say Paramount is 'cowardly' when we don't know the full facts.

Iain Alexander

Founder - Film Industry Network

Share

Recent news

Mahdi Al-Sharshani Ali Brings Fresh Ingredients to the Film Production Industry

Madhi directed, wrote, and produced over 30 short films at the Doha Film Institute.

March 28, 2024

How to make your entertainment business look more professional

Whether you are new to the business world or not, it's essential to make a…

February 8, 2024

6 Career Tips for the Aspiring Sound Editor

Embarking on a career in sound editing is an exciting venture, filled with opportunities to…

January 17, 2024

Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival reveals 2024 lineup

The International Competition is set to showcase 66 films representing 52 nationalities.

December 19, 2023

Short film ‘Bridge’ to receive world premiere at Norwich Film Festival

NHS Receptionist receives BBC Talent Development Commission to make Short Film 'Bridge' which receives its…

November 8, 2023

On the Hunt with Aaron Taylor-Johnson in a First Look at ‘Kraven The Hunter’

Kraven the Hunter is part of Sony's broader strategy to build out its Spider-Verse, focusing…

October 30, 2023