Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Sony Cancels 'The Interview' Theatrical Release After Terror Threats
Update: US officials are saying they believe North Korea is behind the attack.
Well, that was quick. Soon after movie theaters across the country have announced that they're pulling The Interview in the midst of terror threats, Sony Pictures Entertainment gave in, cancelling the release of the film on Christmas Day.
Sony sent this statement to Variety:
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.
Support for LAist comes from
Originally, Sony told theater owners that they were still going forward with the release date on Christmas day and that they would understand if any exhibitor wanted to bow out from showing the film due to the vague threats. But it looks like they've changed their tune.
The Department of Homeland Security said "at this time there is no credible intelligence to indicate an active plot against movie theaters within the United States," but the agency said it is analyzing the credibility of the threats.
The Wall Street Journal has another theory for Sony's cancellation of the film's release. They said that folks in the industry have secretly urged the company to pull The Interview because it would "keep people away from multiplexes and depress ticket sales during the holiday season."
GigaOm argues that this is a disappointing move on Sony's part: "Whatever the rationale, the outcome is appalling since it sets a precedent for other repressive regimes to induce self-censorship in democratic countries simply by making threats."
CineKink film festival tweeted this jab at Sony:
Hey, @SonyPictures... I did my part and shopped/stayed in NYC in months following 9/11. The least you could do is release your crappy movie!
— CineKink (@CineKink) December 17, 2014
Support for LAist comes from
The Interview is a comedy about two dudes (James Franco and Seth Rogen) who are recruited to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The North Korean government has said they believe the film is an act of war. Over the last few weeks, Sony has faced a massive security breach, where embarrassing and revealing documents and emails have leaked to the public. They're currently working with the FBI, and authorities are investigating if North Korea has anything to do with the cyberattack.
Franco had this to say on his Instagram a few days ago about everything going on:
Related:
Theaters Around The Country Are Pulling 'The Interview' Over Terror Threats
Sony Hackers Say They're Targeting Theaters Showing 'The Interview': 'Remember The 11th Of September 2001'
6 More Juicy Leaks From The Sony Hack
The Crazy Things Leaked In Sony Hack, Including Company's Hatred For Their Own Adam Sandler Films
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity. -
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
-
The drug dealer, the last of five defendants to plead guilty to federal charges linked to the 'Friends' actor’s death, will face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.
-
The weather’s been a little different lately, with humidity, isolated rain and wind gusts throughout much of Southern California. What’s causing the late-summer bout of gray?
Best of LAist