The plug has been pulled
After hackers all but dismantled Sony Pictures Entertainment after infiltrating their computer systems and stole thousands of files and sensitive information because of the upcoming The Interview, Sony has conceded and cancelled the theatrical release of the film on Christmas Day.
The hackers, who call themselves “Guardians of Peace” have disseminated the documents over the past couple of weeks, releasing information about upcoming projects, personal emails and even information about A-list actors and actresses. Though the origin of where they’re from isn’t precisely known, it is believed they come from North Korea and have struck as a result of The Interview’s portrayal of Kim Jong-Un.
In the movie, Seth Rogen and James Franco are paid to assassinate the North Korean leader, something the country has condemned.
“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 latest threat to Sony by Guardians of Peace came in the form of violence, saying they would cause harm to the theaters showing the film and the people who went to see it. They compared it to 9/11 in the way they would attack. Of course, this drew red flags from theater chains like AMC, Regal, Cinemark, Carmike and Southern Theatres, who are concerned for their customers safety.
Several chains pulled the film from being viewed, and now Sony has put the nail in the coffin.
There no specific plans as of yet on what Sony Pictures will do to recoup the $42 million dollar investment they put in the film, but some speculate they will service it to video-on-demand to at least try to make back some of the money.
It’s safe to say, the hackers won and brought Sony to its knees.
[Source]