Sony Cancels Christmas Day Release Of Seth Rogen/James Franco Film "The Interview" Due To Terrorist Threat

After the five largest movie theater chains decided to NOT show the upcoming Seth Rogen/James Franco film The Interview, Sony Pictures has now decided to not release the film.

No release of the film could result in tens of millions in losses for Sony.

From Sony Pictures:

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.

There are rumors of a possible On Demand release at some point in the future, but nothing has been announced.

The decision comes after a cyber hack against Sony Pictures which threatened the theaters that showed the film. A note made public on Tuesday read, "We will clearly show it to you at the very time and places 'The Interview' be shown, including the premiere, how bitter fate those who seek fun in terror should be doomed to."

(via Huffington Post)