Despite the cyber threats, Sony Pictures persevered by celebrating the release of its new film “Annie” on Sunday at the Ziegfeld in New York.
Director Will Gluck confirmed that the last few weeks have indeed been full of hard knocks, particularly the fact that his movie was one of five Sony titles leaked on the Internet last week.
“There is no playbook on how to feel about that so it’s kind of tough to navigate,” he told Variety at the premiere. “At the end of the day, if ultimately more people get to see the movie because of that awful thing, then that’s the only silver lining I can hang on to.”
Gluck admitted that viewers who watch the film illegally could spread good word of mouth, which could lead to more theatergoers.
Despite the unwelcome early exposure, one of “Annie’s” stars, Bobby Cannavale, isn’t worried.
“It sucks,” he said. “It’s cyber-terrorism. But, knock on wood, nothing has happened to me yet. I don’t think that they would find much. I do not have a lot of money.”
As for how the hacking will affect film’s B.O., Cannavale wasn’t too concerned. “I grew up in a neighborhood where people steal cable, and I’m not saying it’s right, but some people can’t afford to go to the movies.”
See More: Sony Hack ‘Unparalleled and Well Planned Crime,’ Cyber Security Firm Says
“I actually didn’t know (until recently),” another “Annie” star, Rose Byrne, admitted. “I’m so ignorant. I’m terrible.”
Sony executives, including Amy Pascal, bypassed the tented black carpet. She later huddled in the corner of the afterparty with Beyonce and producer Jay Z.
For the afterparty, the Skylight Clarkson Square was made out to be a huge tent, with a “dress up” room, cookie decorating and a ring-toss. Sandy the dog even made an appearance.
The celebratory tone of the party couldn’t have been more different than the dark and difficult week the studio had just endured.
(Pictured: Will Gluck, Cameron Diaz, Quvenzhane Wallis, Will Smith, Jay Z, Sony’s Amy Pascal and Dwight Caines at the “Annie” premiere)
