The premiere of Seth Rogen and James Franco’s comedy “The Interview” in New York was canceled after the Sony hackers threatened a 9/11-style attack on theaters showing the film. Now, the film will not be showing anywhere.
Sony Pictures Entertainment (NYSE:SNE) announced Tuesday they will move forward on a limited release of the comedy film “The Interview” beginning Christmas Day, reversing a controversial decision to cancel showings following an ominous message from North Korean-backed hackers who call themselves “Guardians of Peace.” They threatened an “11th of September”-style attack on movie theaters showing an upcoming film, which included the latest leaks of employee emails.
Hollywood, who slammed Sony for the decision to cancel the showing in the first place, took to Twitter to show their support. The film’s stars Seth Rogen and James Franco, were quick to voice his support on Twitter.
The people have spoken! Freedom has prevailed! Sony didn't give up! The Interview will be shown at theaters willing to play it on Xmas day!
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) December 23, 2014
https://twitter.com/JamesFrancoTV/status/547459588875112459
The move comes after the studio’s widely criticized move to cancel the movie’s release following threats from hackers who crippled the company’s infrastructure and published the private information of thousands of employees and business associates.
“We have never given up on releasing ‘The Interview’ and we’re excited our movie will be in a number of theaters on Christmas Day,” said Michael Lynton, Chairman and CEO of Sony Entertainment. “At the same time, we are continuing our efforts to secure more platforms and more theaters so that this movie reaches the largest possible audience.”
“I want to thank our talent on ‘The Interview’ and our employees, who have worked tirelessly through the many challenges we have all faced over the last month,” Lynton said. “While we hope this is only the first step of the film’s release, we are proud to make it available to the public and to have stood up to those who attempted to suppress free speech.”
A Change.org petition from independent theater owners had been posted pledging solidarity with Sony and urging the studio to make the movie available to them.
The petition site posted a statement that they had a achieved a “victory” and that Sony was making the movie available.
“Sony has authorized independent theaters to show ‘The Interview’ beginning on Christmas Day!”
Sony’s attorney in the hacking scandal said on Sunday that the movie would be released in some form or fashion but did not say how or when.
