TOKYO — Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan today confirmed that the James Franco and Seth Rogen comedy “The Interview” will not be released in Japan.
A spokesman declined to detail the reasons for the decision, but said it had been made “some time ago” and well before last week’s massive hack of Sony Pictures Entertainment’s computer system. Hollywood live-action comedies rarely do well in the Japanese market, with none last year passing the 1 billion yen ($8.5 million) BO mark traditionally considered the measure of a commercial hit.
According to the film’s website, within the Asia-Pacific region “The Interview” will be released only in Australia and New Zealand.
