Columbia PicturesUPDATE: Multiple theaters have since told Deadline that Paramount is not allowing them to screen Team America. The studio had no comment.
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You might not be able to see The Interview on Christmas Day—or ever—but one Texas movie theater insists on filling its blank screens...with Team America: World Police!
The Dallas/Fort Worth Alamo Drafthouse will be celebrating the film's 10-year anniversary with a one-time free screening of the animated picture. Moviegoers will also be receiving American flags and other patriotic items at the special screening on Dec. 27 at 7 p.m.
"We're just trying to make the best of an unfortunate situation," James Wallace, creative manager and programmer at the theater, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Sony deciding not to release The Interview after hackers threatened theaters and moviegoers alike makes Team America an interesting choice because the movie revolves around former North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, the father of current dictator Kim Jong Un. The Interview followed Seth Rogen and James Franco's characters as they are tasked with assassinating Jong Un.
In addition to the patriotic gear, the theater is going to make this version of Trey Parker and Matt Stone's 2004 film even better by adding subtitles so people can sing and quote their favorite songs and lines.
"So celebrate your independence this year with the Action Pack. We'll have subtitles for all the songs and all of our favorite quotes, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to scream out "AMERICA! F--K YEAH!" at the top of your lungs," the event page says. "And yeah, we will have American flags, red white and blue streamers, balloons, and more for everyone. And THAT is how true American heroes will be celebrating this year, but if you want to let the terrorists win...well, that's your prerogative."
Sony cancelled the release of the satirical comedy Wednesday after the country's five largest movie theater chains opted not to show it on their screens.
"We respect and understand our partners' decision and, of course, completely share their paramount interest in the safety of employees and theater-goers," Sony Pictures said in a statement.
Hollywood didn't take the news lightly, with more than a few celebrities slamming Sony for its decision. Rob Lowe took to Twitter to unleash his fury and tweeted several messages.
"Saw @Sethrogen at JFK. Both of us have never seen or heard of anything like this. Hollywood has done Neville Chamberlain proud today," he wrote, adding, "Wow. Everyone caved. The hackers won. An utter and complete victory for them. Wow."