Columbia PicturesTurns out, you won't have to head to theaters to see The Interview on Christmas Day.
Just 24 hours after Sony Pictures announced that the controversial film starring Seth Rogen and James Franco will be distributed in limited theaters beginning Dec. 25, the studio revealed that the comedy will also be available on various streaming services.
According to the movie's official website, the film can now be viewed or purchased on GooglePlay, YouTube and XBox Video as well as the site SeeTheInterview.com.
It only costs $5.99 to rent the flick or $14.99 to purchase. Per Google's official blog, Sony reached out to the Internet company after the theatrical release of the film was pulled due to the unprecedented security hack.
"After discussing all the issues, Sony and Google agreed that we could not sit on the sidelines and allow a handful of people to determine the limits of free speech in another country (however silly the content might be)," Google said in a statement. "So starting at 10 a.m. PST in the U.S., you can rent or buy The Interview on Google Play and YouTube Movies. It will also be available to Xbox Video customers and via www.seetheinterview.com."
Following the announcement, Jonah Hill, who has starred in a number of films with both Rogen and Franco, took to Twitter to express his enthusiasm.
You can watch The Interview RIGHT NOW at https://t.co/s68HbXf57z ! Free Speech.
? Jonah Hill (@JonahHill) December 24, 2014Both Rogen and Franco, who broke their silence on Tuesday in regard to the theatrical release of the interview, have also been tweeting about the on-demand streaming options, clearly elated with the film's debut.
"You wanna watch The Interview?? You can RIGHT F--KING NOW!! Go to https://www.theinterview-movie.com . Thanks Sony for making it happen. Booyah," the 32-year-old Knocked Up star wrote, adding, "I need to say that a comedy is best viewed in a theater full of people, so if you can, I'd watch it like that. Or call some friends over."
He also clarified when the film will be available for those outside of the United States.
CANADIANS! Sincere apologies but #TheInterview is not available 4 u 2 download yet BUT will be soon. We are working on it!
? Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) December 24, 2014Unsurprisingly, Franco echoed the same sentiments, posting screengrabs from the flick on his Instagram page.
????Merry X-mas MERICA! ????
!!!!!THE INTERVIEW IS LIVE!!!!!!
!!!Watch it here!!!
http://t.co/oQ7YpBZXhY
Thank you SONY!!!!!!!!
? James Franco (@JamesFrancoTV) December 24, 2014"We have never given up on releasing The Interview and we're excited our movie will be in a number of theaters on Christmas Day," Michael Lynton, the Chairman and CEO of Sony said in a statement on Tuesday. "At the same time, we are continuing our efforts to secure more platforms and more theaters so that this movie reaches the largest possible audience."
He added, "While we hope this is only the first step of the film's release, we are proud to make it available to the public and to have stood up to those who attempted to suppress free speech."