UPDATE 4: Unsurprisingly, U.S. officials are now saying that North Korea is responsible for the Sony hack. An official announcement on the case could come as early as Thursday as this is still developing (and at a hell of a rate, too!). More to follow… – PS
UPDATE 3: It's official! Sony has pulled the release of THE INTERVIEW. Here's their 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 hits just keep on coming. The only saving grace at this point would be a VOD release. More as this develops. – PS
UPDATE 2: Apparently, Sony is now pulling all TV advertising for the film. What, do they think it will erase it from existence? Sigh… – PS
UPDATE: Sadly, it looks like the dominoes have fallen after the terrorist threats against theaters and now the Top 5 Theater chains have pulled the film, according to THR.
"Regal Entertainment, AMC Entertainment, Cinemark, Carmike Cinemas and Cineplex Entertainment have all decided against showing the film."
There's no comment from the theater chains at this time, so perhaps they could still change their minds, but it's doubtful. I expect we'll hear official word soon. If ever there was a clear cut case of letting the terrorists win. Perhaps if terrorists start threatening every work of art, tasteful or no, then we'll all cave to their every whim. Sad state of affairs. We'll update as this develops. – PS
Original Story:
After Guardians of Peace (the cyber terrorist group responsible for the Sony hacks) threatened possible physical attacks at theaters screening THE INTERVIEW yesterday, Carmike Theaters has decided to drop the controversial Seth Rogen and James Franco comedy. Sony is supporting any theater owner who doesn't want to show the film, with a source at the studio telling Deadline, "We’re leaving it up to the discretion of the theater owners and chains and we will support their decision."
Guardians of Peace cited 9/11 in Tuesday's message to Sony, and threatened "We will clearly show it to you at the very time and places 'The Interview' be shown, including the premiere, how bitter fate those who seek fun in terror should be doomed to."
The New York premiere of THE INTERVIEW has also been scrapped, and Seth Rogen and James Franco have cancelled the rest of their media appearances for the film as well.
While I'm fairly certain Sony will still release THE INTERVIEW next week, I doubt Carmike will be the only theater dropping the movie. This is pretty scary stuff, and at this point having their dirty laundry aired all over the internet is the least of Sony's problems.
THE INTERVIEW is scheduled to open on December 25.