Major U.S. Theater Chains Pull The Interview After Sony Hacker Threats

Four of the five major movie theater chains in the U.S. have agreed to pull The Interview from their multiplexes across the country after hackers released a serious threat towards moviegoers who attend the film. Two of the first cinemas to make the call, Carmike and Bow Tie Cinemas, have now been joined by AMC, Regal Theaters, Cinemark and Cineplex.

The decision to yank the Seth Rogen-James Franco comedy came after those responsible for the Sony hack – the so-called Guardians Of Peace – sent out a threatening message earlier this week. Upon receipt of the information, many of the theaters who opted to pull out cited safety reasons as a deciding factor. Directed at Sony Pictures Entertainment specifically, the group states that they’ll be sending the studio a “Christmas gift” that would be received by anyone who attends a screening of The Interview.

It goes on to say:

“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.) Whatever comes in the coming days is called by the greed of Sony Pictures Entertainment.”

In addition, the film’s New York premiere was canceled earlier this week along with Rogen and Franco’s promotional press tour. It’s the content of the film – in which the pair are tasked with assassinating North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un – that is considered to be directly responsible for the entire hack on Sony. While North Korea has denied involvement, they’re said to have praised the activities of the hackers.

As it stands now, the fate of this controversial movie is up in the air. Sony Pictures have stated that they support any theater chain that chooses to pull the movie, leading many to believe that they will opt for a VOD release in order to recoup at least some of the costs.

Stay tuned, as we’ll keep you posted with any new developments concerning the Sony hack and if we will ever get the chance to see The Interview in theaters or on the small screen.