Sony has pulled the plug on its upcoming movie, The Interview, which was scheduled for worldwide release on Christmas Day. The decision comes after several major theater chains chose not to show the film amidst threats.
“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 said in a statement on Wednesday.
Sony has recently been the victim of a massive cyber hack lead by an anonymous group called the Guardians of Peace. The hack resulted in the leak of thousands of emails between top stars and movie executives. Many have concluded that the same people behind the hack are the ones responsible for the threats being made to everyone involved with The Interview.
In regards to who hacked the film company, U.S. officials are pointing the finger at North Korea. North Korean leaders are furious over The Interview, a comedy starring dynamic duo James Franco and Seth Rogen about two TV journalists who are asked to kill North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The scheduled released of the movie prompted threats of a 9/11 style attack.
“Remember the 11th of September 2001. We recommend you to keep yourself distant from the places at that time,” the group warned in a message sent on Tuesday.
The North Korean government has since denied a connection to the attack.