Sony Pictures cancelled the Christmas day release of the controversial movie, “The Interview” amid recent hacker’s cyber attacks and threats.
In response, Sony pictures made this statement: “In light of the decision by the majority of our exhibitors not to the show the film The Interview, we have decided not to move forward with the planned December 25 theatrical release. We respect and understand our partners’ decision and, or of course, completely share their paramount interest in the safety of employees and theatergoers.”
The comedy, starring Seth Rogen and James Franco, is a about a fictional plot for two journalists to kill the leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-un. In recent weeks, Sony Pictures has been the targeted by hackers, in which private emails from executives and other important documents were leaked to the public. There has been speculation that North Korea was responsible for the hacks as a form of retaliation for “The Interview.”
There are currently no plans to even release the movie on DVD or video on demand. Movie posters and billboard for the “The Interview” have been taken down all over Hollywood and Los Angeles immediately. Sony has come under criticism from Hollywood for this decision. Actor Rob Lowe said, “Wow. Everyone caved. The hackers won. An utter and complete victory for them.”