Sony Pictures Cancels Holiday Release of ‘The Interview’ After Threats

Sony Pictures Entertainment has dropped its plans for a Dec. 25 release of “The Interview,” following threats from an unidentified hacker group that also released emails and other Sony corporate documents.

The cancellation Wednesday afternoon came as the largest United States and Canadian film exhibitors said they would not show the movie.

In a statement, Sony said: “We respect and understand our partners’ decision and, of course, completely share their paramount interest in the safety of employees and theater-goers.”

On Wednesday afternoon, AMC Theaters, citing “the overall confusion and uncertainty” around the film, joined Carmike Cinemas, Cinemark and Regal Entertainment in dropping the film. Together, those exhibitors control more than 19,200 screens across the United States. Smaller American chains and Canada’s Cineplex Entertainment also canceled the film.

Can you imagine if this was the government? They wouldn't have canceled. They would have stationed TSA agents at theaters---forever. And sent troops into North Korea (Rand would have "reluctantly" gone along. The private sector is always more peaceful

(via NYT)

-RW

UPDATE

Case in point. How a government crony reacted:

Sony should release "the Interview" online for free so North Koreans can't censor American creativity--should have Korean language version
— Newt Gingrich (@newtgingrich) December 17, 2014