When Sony announced that it was pulling THE INTERVIEW from a theatrical release, it wasn’t long after that PYONGYANG, the North Korean thriller to be directed by Gore Verbinski (PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN, THE RING) and starring Steve Carell, was shut down before production was to begin in March. While the film was to be distributed by Fox, evidently no risks were to be made on their part. There’s no need to second guess, however, as both Verbinski and Carell has responded to the cancellation of their new picture.
Gore Verbinski‘s statement:
Getting the facts straight:
Yesterday, I was told by New Regency and Fox that Fox will no longer be distributing the film. Prior to that, the film was green lit and fully funded by New Regency with Fox distributing. I have been told in no uncertain words that based on the situation at Sony, Fox has now decided to not distribute the film. Without a distributor, New Regency was forced to shut the film down.
My thoughts:
I find it ironic that fear is eliminating the possibility to tell stories that depict our ability to overcome fear.
Gore Verbinski has always had an amazing vision for his films, even if the end results have been less than stellar. It’s a shame that this production was shut down but as sad as it sounds, I’m glad it was shut down before any “work” was done on their behalf. Steve Carell also responded, but his was more to the point.
The above picture is that of Charlie Chaplin in 1940s political satire, THE GREAT DICTATOR, that despite condemnation from Hitler and the Nazi party, was made and released anyway. Two months ago it was announced that Gore Verbinski had two other projects in the works. As of now, it’s unknown if he will begin work on one of those, but I do hope this soured experience doesn’t dissuade him.