Cast members James Franco and Seth Rogen pose during premiere of the film "The Interview" in Los Angeles
Cast members James Franco (L) and Seth Rogen pose during premiere of the film "The Interview" in Los Angeles, California December 11, 2014. Reuters/Kevork Djansezian

James Franco and Seth Rogen thought it best to get more protection especially after receiving threats from Sony hackers for their controversial movie "The Interview." The actors were photographed being accompanied by big men who reports claimed are their new bodyguards.

Mirror UK shared a photo of the actors being escorted by big, burly men following the threat from the hackers, a group called Guardians of Peace. According to a source, James Franco doesn't usually go around accompanied by a bodyguard. He would even take the subway. Apparently, that wasn't the case this time. According to Mail Online, the actor was out in New York for dinner on Tuesday, Dec. 16, when he was spotted "armed" with his bodyguard. The latter reportedly stayed close to his side and at one point even blocked some of the actor's approaching fans.

Franco's "The Interview" co-star Seth Rogen reportedly told Howard Stern on Monday, Dec. 15, that the threats don't scare him. Regardless, he has also taken extra precautions. The actor was photographed on Wednesday, Dec. 17, being escorted by his new bodyguard at the Los Angeles airport terminal. According to Mail Online, the actor was headed to Sony Pictures for an emergency meeting following the threats.

The threats reportedly came earlier this week when the Guardians of Peace warned that the "world will be full of fear" if ever the movie will be released in cinemas. They also called on the viewers to stay away "or be doomed." It was reportedly their way of showing the world "what an awful movie Sony Pictures Entertainment has made." The group even made threats of a 9/11 style attack over "The Interview."

"We will clearly show it to you at the very time and places 'The Interview' will be shown, including the premiere, how bitter fate those who seek fun in terror should be doomed to," the group wrote. "Remember the 11th of September 2001; we recommend you to keep yourself distant from the places at that time," they continued, warning those whose house is near the theatres to "better leave."

Sony Pictures has since cancelled "The Interview" from showing in various theatres. Despite the threats, James Franco made light of the situation by appearing in a selfie with Seth Rogen, which he posted on his Instagram account. The photo was captioned, "Doin' some press for @theinterviewmovie With @sethrogen."