Creating a movie that contains a plot that revolves around assassinating one of America’s most notorious adversaries sounds like an idea made especially for a studio’s cutting room floor. Yet, $42 million, two A-listers and tons of promotion later, The Interview was slated to hit theaters on December 25. Key word being was, now that Sony Pictures has yielded to a possible threat attack and major movie chains have refused to show the film.
Reports Variety:
In announcing the decision to cancel the holiday debut, Sony hit back at the hackers who threatened movie theaters and moviegoers and who have terrorized the studio and its employees for weeks.
“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,” the statement reads.
“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,” it continues. “We stand by our filmmakers and their right to free expression and are extremely disappointed by this outcome.”
The studio did not say it would never release the picture theatrically. Insiders tell Variety Sony is exploring all options, including offering the picture on premium video-on-demand as a way to recoup at least some of its investment.
Almost immediately, various celebrities from Newt Gingrich to Jimmy Kimmel all chimed in with their opinions, largely against Sony’s decision.
Peep the comical and cynical reactions in the photo gallery below.
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Photo: Sony Pictures
