The black comedy- starring and directed by Seth Rogen- was due for release on Christmas Day, but following hackers attacking Sony along with threats to movie theatres the film has been pulled from release.
The movie, which also stars James Franco, tells the story of a journalist chosen to interview infamous North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. The twist?
The journo (Franco) and his producer (Rogen) have been asked to assassinate the North Korean leader.
Sony released a statement explaining their decision:
“In light of the decision by the majority of our exhibitors not to 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, of course, completely share their paramount interest in the safety of employees and theater-goers.
“Sony Pictures has been the victim of an unprecedented criminal assault against our employees, our customers, and our business. Those who attacked us stole our intellectual property, private emails, and sensitive and proprietary material, and sought to destroy our spirit and our morale – all apparently to thwart the release of a movie they did not like. We are deeply saddened at this brazen effort to suppress the distribution of a movie, and in the process do damage to our company, our employees, and the American public. We stand by our filmmakers and their right to free expression and are extremely disappointed by this outcome.”