'The Interview' will not be in theaters.
The Interview will not be released in theaters.
Following the massive Sony hack that leaked everything from embarrassing executive emails to
charming messages from huge stars to full-length unreleased movies, the drama has finally culminated in Sony pulling the comedy from theaters entirely.
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"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,” Sony said in a statement to ET on Wednesday. "We respect and understand our partners’ decision and, of course, completely share their paramount interest in the safety of employees and theater-goers."
The statement continues to explain the situation, "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."
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The film starring Seth Rogen and James Franco became controversial over its assassination of North Korea's Kim Jong- un, and it was being pulled from major theater chains after the Sony hack. Threats were made from the hacker group called "Guardians of Peace."
The latest hacker note said, "The world will be full of fear. Remember the 11th of September 2001. We recommend you to keep yourself distant from the places at that time. (If your house is nearby, you'd better leave.)"
In June, a North Korea Foreign Ministry spokesperson said they would consider the release of the film an "act of war that we will never tolerate."
Franco and Rogen have also canceled their media appearances in recent days.