In the wake of controversy surrounding "The Interview," a comedy about the assassination of North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un starring Seth Rogen and James Franco, the Bear Tooth Theatrepub in Anchorage has announced it will begin screening the film Jan. 2.
The independent, second-run theater will not publicize show times for the film until Monday evening, according to Rand Thornsley, film buyer for the Bear Tooth. Tickets will go on sale the following day, he said.
"This was the only opportunity for (Sony Pictures) to have an opening in Anchorage theatrically, so they are allowing the Bear Tooth to run the film within our normal programming," Thornsley said.
Last week, big theater chains said they would not screen "The Interview" after hackers attacked Sony, leaking emails and threatening violence on any theater that showed the film. The FBI said later the hack appeared to have originated from North Korea.
Sony canceled the scheduled Dec. 25 release of "The Interview" but backpedaled on that decision Tuesday, saying it would release the film to about 200 to 300 smaller theaters on Christmas Day.
Thornsley said he confirmed Tuesday evening that "The Interview" would play on the Bear Tooth's single screen.
He said theater managers expected to arrange "extra security measures" for its showings, though he did not have specifics.
"Since we don't have the issue with having a multiplex, we will only be running 'The Interview' at one particular time," Thornsley said. "That makes it a little bit easier. People can make their choice, whether or not they want to see it. It won't be hurting other films."
He said Jan. 2 was the earliest date the theater could insert "The Interview" into its schedule, since it had already publicized its film lineup through New Year's Day.
Demand will drive how long the Bear Tooth shows "The Interview," Thornsley said. He said he anticipates it will run longer than most of the theater's films.