Sony Pictures has cancelled the December 25 release of “The Interview” after US cinema chains decided not to screen it, with the hacking scandal fallout continuing.As reported by Reuters, Regal Cinemas and AMC Theatres were among the cinema chains to announce they will not show the movie as had been planned on December 25, citing security threats by hackers.
“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,” Sony said in a statement, Reuters reported.
The Interview, starring Seth Rogan and James Franco, depicts a fictional CIA plot to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, with speculation in the wake of the attack linking North Korea to the hacking.
The Wall Street Journal has reported US officials have come to the conclusion that North Korea was responsible for the cyberattack on the company.
Officials are still gathering evidence and trying to build a clearer picture of who directed the hacking and how, according to people familiar with the investigation, the WSJ reported.
On the decision to cancel the film’s release, Reuters further reported Sony as stating it is “deeply saddened at this brazen effort to suppress the distribution of a movie, and in the process do damage to our company”.
Meanwhile, Reuters has reported Sony Pictures Entertainment has been sued by two self-described former employees, who accuse the studio of failing to protect data, including social security numbers and healthcare records, with the proposed class action lawsuit filed in federal court in Los Angeles.
“An epic nightmare, much better suited to a cinematic thriller than to real life, is unfolding in slow motion for Sony’s current and former employees,” Reuters reported the lawsuit as stating.
