Seth Rogen has established himself as one of Hollywood’s most versatile creatives, building a successful career as an actor, writer, director, and producer. Despite his busy schedule, however, he hasn’t directed a movie in over a decade. His last film project as a director was “The Interview,” released in 2014, which sparked tensions between the U.S. and North Korea. Rogen has since directed for TV, and will slowly ease back into helming movies.
Seth Rogen is starring in a new movie directed by Olivia Wilde, “The Invite,” alongside Wilde, Penelope Cruz, and Edward Norton, and at the premiere, he discussed his own experience directing. The last film he helmed was “The Interview,” released in 2014, which he co-directed with childhood friend and longtime collaborator Evan Goldberg.
“It has been a while. The last one we did almost started a war, so that made us maybe a little gun-shy for a little while,” Rogen said, per The Hollywood Reporter.
The actor said that directing for TV has been going well, and he’s welcoming the idea of directing for the big screen once again. “We do talk about maybe, hopefully, directing a film next year, actually. We’re not the biggest problem anymore,” he added.
North Korea Threatened The U.S. Over ‘The Interview’
“The Interview” starred Rogen and James Franco as producer Aaron Rapaport and TV host Dave Skylark, who land an interview with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. After being recruited by the CIA to assassinate the leader, their journalistic assignment turns into a high-stakes mission.
North Korea vehemently condemned “The Interview,” claiming that it was an act of war against them and an insult to their people. They demanded that the movie not be released, to no avail. It was followed by a cyberattack on Sony by a group called Guardians of Peace, which resulted in a leak of confidential emails, personal information, and copies of unreleased films. The FBI later confirmed the cyberattack originated from North Korea.
“If the U.S. persists in American-style arrogant, high-handed and gangster-like arbitrary practices despite the repeated warnings of the DPRK [Democratic People’s Republic of Korea], the U.S. should bear in mind that its failed political affairs will face inescapable deadly blows,” North Korea threatened.
Seth Rogen Feared His Career Was Over
Sony Pictures canceled the traditional theatrical release of “The Interview” following the threats. Instead, the movie was released digitally, followed by a limited theatrical release in a few hundred, mostly independent movie theaters.
Then-President Barack Obama criticized Sony, saying “they made a mistake” in cancelling the theatrical release, wishing they had consulted him on the steps to take. “We cannot have a society in which some dictator someplace can start imposing censorship here in the United States,” Obama said.
In 2025, Rogen recalled how he thought his career was done after the international debacle. “I legitimately thought I had eliminated myself as someone who was viable to work with,” he said, adding that he worried he pushed things too far in “The Interview.”
The Actor Was Happy To Take A Back Seat In His Latest Film
Elsewhere in the interview, Rogen said that he enjoyed working on “The Invite” solely as an actor. The filmmaker often takes on multiple roles in his projects, but this time, he had one mission: to act.
“It’s nice when there’s a conversation happening over there, and you’re like, ‘Normally I’d be a part of that conversation that everyone looks pretty miserable to be a part of.’ And I can just scroll Instagram and talk to Edward,” he shared.
Rogen also praised Wilde for fulfilling her role as both director and actor in the movie. “She was very bold in both respects, which I found to be really impressive,” he said.
Seth Rogen’s ‘The Studio’ Is A Massive Success
Apple TV+’s “The Studio,” which Rogen writes, directs, executive produces, and stars in, has been a critical success, earning widespread praise for its sharp satire, witty writing, and standout ensemble cast.
“The Studio” took home a record-breaking 13 Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Rogen. The show also won two awards at the Golden Globes for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy and Best Performance by a Male Actor in a TV series.
“The Studio” is coming back for Season 2, but a release date has yet to be announced. Meanwhile, fans are eager to see which film Rogen will direct next.