After five theater chains bowed out of releasing of THE INTERVIEW on December 25 due to the threats from the cyberterrorists known as the Guardian of Peace, Sony had no choice but to cancel all theatrical showings of Seth Rogen and James Franco's controversial comedy which involves the assasination plot of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Rumors are circulating that the movie will be released via VOD which we hope is the case so that all Americans can show unity against these people who have caused such havoc to not only Sony, but it's employees.
Wednesday, Regal Entertainment, AMC Entertainment, Cinemark, Carmike Cinemas and Cineplex Entertainment all announced plans not to show THE INTERVIEW at their movie theaters. Some of these theater chains account for the majority of the theaters across the United States so it seems Sony Pictures had no choice but to give in to the threats. Sony released a statement about the news.
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.
Unfortunately, it now seems like these cyberterrorists have won, and CineMovie for one is not happy about that. So we hope all Americans send a big FU to the group by purchasing the movie on VOD if Sony proceeds in that direction.
