With the five largest US theater chains now refusing to show the film due to threats of terrorism, Sony has now decided to completely cancel the release of The Interview. After you’re done sighing, read the following press release from Sony:
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.
I get it. If you think the lives and safety of people are at risk, pull the film. I don’t think Sony is wrong here. The film would’ve likely underperformed anyway, because a bunch of faceless, terrorizing assholes made a stink over a harmless movie. They’ve forced us into censorship and suppression of art. Fuck ’em.
On the brighter side, there’s a chance we’ll see the film on VOD, but at this point, it’s all up in the air. When or if things fall into place, we’ll keep you posted.