Watch Seth Rogen surprise The Interview cinema-goers at LA Christmas screening

The actor turned up to thank audiences for watching his controversial comedy

A still from The Interview, starring Seth Rogen and James Franco

Los Angeles cinema-goers have been given a special Christmas treat in the form of Seth Rogen, who made a surprise appearance at a screening of controversial comedy The Interview.

More than 300 independent venues across the US made arrangements to ensure that film fans got to see the Kim Jong-un assassination movie, after its release came under threat from the hackers who leaked Sony Pictures emails in the huge cyber attack earlier this month.

Rogen, who stars in the film with James Franco, rocked up at Cinefamily Silent Movie Theatre's sold-out midnight screening with co-director Evan Goldberg to greet the audience before it began.

"Thank you so f**king much for coming," he said, to cheers. "We thought this might not happen at all. If it wasn't for theatres like this and people like you guys, this literally would not be f**king happening."

Since Wednesday, The Interview has also been available to stream on digital platforms including Google Play, YouTube Movies and a separate Sony website.

US president Barack Obama was among the high profile figures to criticise Sony's decision to pull The Interview after 9/11 style terrorist attacks were hinted at by the Guardians of Peace.

Unfortunately, despite Sony's change of heart, the film has received mixed reviews from critics with many branding it just another Christmas turkey.