James Franco and Seth Rogen seem to work well as a comedy pair. The actors are known for their clever, and funny, parodies of such pervasive pop culture icons as Kim Kardashian and Kayne West, doing their own version of the couple’s Vogue cover.
They also released a parody of Kanye West’s video for “Bound 2,” featuring Rogen as Kardashian and Franco as West. As Pitchfork put it, Rogen and Franco “apparently had a lot of downtime on the set of their forthcoming movie ‘The Interview.’”
The new trailer for The Interview has just been released, and it features Rob Lowe showing off interesting hair (or lack thereof) and several predictably crude jokes. The premise is that Rogen and Franco, successful celebrity interviewers, want to cover hard news. They land an interview with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, only to be asked by the CIA to “take him out.” You can see the trailer for the film below.
The film’s political undertones have not gone unnoticed by North Korean officials. As The Hollywood Reporter revealed in August, Sony Pictures took steps to alter the film as a result of the controversy. Sony is based in Japan, and the country has tried to retain amicable relations with North Korea.
The movie’s release date was also moved back from October to December 25, a coveted holiday slot.
Back in June, Rogen seemed okay with reports that Kim Jong-Un planned to view the movie, as evidenced by his Twitter feed.
Apparently Kim Jong Un plans on watching #TheInterview . I hope he likes it!! http://t.co/5VrsgYlydE
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) June 20, 2014
Kim Jong-Un’s negative reaction to the film’s premise was previously reported by The Inquisitr . A spokesperson for the North Korean regime said the movie “shows the desperation of the U.S. government and American society.”
Meanwhile, Rogen and Franco took time out from promoting The Interview to wish Jimmy Fallon a happy birthday on Friday. As recounted by the Daily Mail , the host told the audience his staff had promised him a birthday surprise. A large birthday cake was revealed, and a shirtless Rogen jumped out of the top. During Rogen’s speech, Franco, also shirtless, popped out as well in a police officer’s hat and said, “You’re under arrest!”
Thankfully for Fallon, the comedy duo was only part of his birthday gift. Seth said, “We are not the real surprise,” and then introduced music icon Stevie Wonder. Wonder sang his single, “Happy Birthday,” much to Fallon’s delight.
[Seth Rogen and James Franco Image: Vogue/Google]
