'The Interview' Release Officially Cancelled by Sony

The cyber attack that has so thoroughly embarrassed Sony Pictures over the last couple of weeks took a dangerous turn when the culprits began issuing threats of 9/11-style violence against theaters showing James Franco/Seth Rogen comedy, The Interview. Two major theater chains pulled the film from their Christmas Day release schedule in response, while press screenings and premieres were cancelled all across the country. And then today Regal Cinemas, AMC Entertainment, Cinemark,  and all major US theater chains decided against showing the film, ultimately forcing Sony's hand to cancel the release completely.

The decision isn't surprising, but it's expected to cost the studio millions in lost marketing and box office receipts. Here is the studio's official 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.

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."

The situation began when the plot of the R-rated comedy became widely known. Rogen and Franco play entertainers hired by the U.S. government to assassinate North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, and of course it goes comedically haywire. The decision to drop the film sets an ugly precedent for a number of reasons. First of all, there is no credible evidence the hacker group has the capability to pull off such an attack, or so says the Department of Homeland Security. So giving in to them only opens the doors to other such situations to arise on any number of controversial subjects. But it also shows the ultimate power of the distributors to control what gets seen and what doesn't. There are only a few major film distributors and if one or two decide a plot is too risque what's to stop them from wielding their strength?

The DHS is still investigating the threats and there is a chance Sony releases the film in a few weeks. Or, perhaps they cut their losses, save a few bucks on distribution fees, and release the film on digital platforms where it's sure to be a hit.