It’s Official: Sony is Not Releasing ‘The Interview’ on Christmas

Sony Officially Cancels The Interview
Dave (James Franco) and Aaron (Seth Rogen) in Columbia Pictures´ ‘The Interview’ (Photo © 2014 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

In a case of you’re damned if you do, damned if you don’t, Sony Pictures has sided with the “don’t” and has stopped the upcoming release of The Interview. Following the decisions by numerous theater chains to not screen the movie for their customers, the studio has officially confirmed The Interview will not be released.

Hackers, which the U.S. has now confirmed are linked to North Korea, had threatened to blow up movie theaters if the studio went through with their plan to open the movie on Christmas. Given the fact theater chains (including AMC and Regal Entertainment) were refusing to screen it, did the studio actually have any other choice? And what if it was released and theaters were attacked? Lawsuits would be filed within minutes because both the studio and the theaters were aware of the threat in advance. Yet, yanking the film is giving into the terrorists. There’s absolutely no denying that. This sets up an incredible precedent, setting the stage for other terrorists groups to use the same tactics to force corporations to bend to their demands.

As I’ve seen mentioned elsewhere, including in comments on Facebook, Sony’s best bet now is to go with an online and straight-to-DVD release. That would allow the film to be released, allow those who want to see it to purchase the film, and recoup some of their investment in the movie. Is it ideal? Absolutely not, and it’s still capitulating to the terrorists. Sony Pictures was in an unenviable position in this matter and ultimately did what they assumed would be best for their company. However, their decision has huge ramifications and a door has been opened for further attacks with this decision simply because the hackers won this battle.

Here’s Sony’s statement:

“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.”

Interview with Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg on The Interview (from months ago)


-By Rebecca Murray

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