Michael Lynton Unpacks 'The Interview' Aftermath and Leadership Lessons in New Book

Former Sony Pictures Entertainment CEO Michael Lynton initially avoided discussing his decision to greenlight the film 'The Interview' and the subsequent North Korean cyberattack. He cited anger, embarrassment, and shame as his reasons for this silence.

Lynton recently co-authored 'From Mistakes to Meaning: Owning Your Past So It Doesn’t Own You' with Joshua Steiner. In this new book, he offers insights into the controversial event.

In the book, Lynton states his approval of the 2014 Seth Rogen comedy, which depicted a plot to assassinate North Korea's leader, was partly influenced by a desire to connect with actors and a weariness of his 'responsible adult' CEO role.

The Interview Decision and Aftermath

The book details how Lynton's decision ultimately led to a significant cyberattack against Sony. He describes making the choice in the moment, bypassing the studio's usual deliberative green-lighting process. This was partly due to a competitive situation and his own fatigue with constantly being 'Mr. No.'

Lynton indicates that by engaging in the book-writing process and introspection, he has overcome the shame associated with the event.

Industry Perspectives on Admitting Mistakes

Feedback on the book has revealed varied reactions. Many people question Lynton's honesty in publicly acknowledging mistakes, suggesting a widespread reluctance within Hollywood and other industries to admit errors.

However, others have expressed similar feelings of wanting to belong or being an outsider, finding resonance with Lynton's candor.

The Principle of Film Release

Lynton clarified that while Seth Rogen felt 'The Interview' was not widely viewed as a good movie, he has personally received positive feedback from viewers who found it humorous.

Lynton emphasized that the decision to release the film after threats from a third party, such as North Korea, was a matter of principle rather than the movie's quality.

He firmly believes that once a company decides to release a product, it must proceed, especially when facing censorship attempts.

Lynton also noted a previous irritation with Rogen for not publicly thanking Sony employees post-hack. He mentioned that he and former studio head Amy Pascal had not discussed the events until recently. Lynton expressed that it might now be a good time to converse with Rogen, particularly given Rogen’s new television show 'The Studio,' which Lynton suggests borrows from that period.

Industry Outlook: Mergers and Production Exodus

Lynton addressed the anticipated merger of Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, acknowledging the industry's pervasive fear of change. He predicted a future where the theatrical window becomes a luxury rather than the norm.

He expressed deep concern about the decline in production in Southern California, likening Los Angeles to a 'sunny version of Detroit.' To reverse this trend, Lynton proposed the need for financial incentives beyond tax breaks and adjustments to union structures to encourage production to return to Southern California.

Reflections on Leadership

Lynton stated he misses working with the people at Sony and within the broader entertainment community, despite recognizing its sometimes 'false' nature. He indicates he does not miss the ego, upset, and emotionally charged conversations frequently associated with the top job.

He concluded that exploring one's mistakes, while not an obvious choice, can be beneficial, as everyone makes them.