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Action-comedy The Interview has had its cinematic release cancelled by Sony Pictures Entertainment.
The film, which stars Seth Rogen and James Franco as two men sent to kill North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, has sparked controversy over its storyline and led to terror threats being made by hackers.
The group, nicknamed ‘Guardians of Peace’, have claimed responsibility for the recent hack attack on Sony’s computer system and issued a warning to the film studio that they would pull off a 9/11-style terrorist attack if the film was released on Christmas Day.
Sony Pictures issued a statement: “In light of the decision by the majority of our exhibitors not to show the 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 terrorist threats have resulted in several cinema chains pulling out of showing the film including Carmike, AMC and Cinemarkl while DVD and VOD releases have also been cancelled.