Sony Pictures will release “The Interview” in select theaters on Dec. 25, opting to show the comedy about an assassination plot against North Korea’s Kim Jong Un after initially backing down to threats from Pyongyang-affiliated hackers.
Sony’s decision to scrap the planned wide-release of the comedy starring Seth Rogen and James Franco drew widespread criticism, with even President Obama saying the movie studio had set a dangerous precedent of “self-censorship.”
“We have never given up on releasing ‘The Interview’ and we’re excited our movie will be in a number of theaters on Christmas Day,” said Sony CEO Michael Lynton. “At the same time, we’re continuing our efforts to secure more platforms and more theaters so that this movie reaches the largest possible audience.”
Independent movie theaters in both Dallas and Atlanta said they would screen the film on Christmas Day.
Sony did not say how many theaters would show the film. Multiple media reports also said the film would soon be available on video on demand.
Hackers that the Obama administration tied to North Korea threatened 9/11-style attacks on theaters showing the comedy. With major movie chains opposed to showing the film, Sony then decided not to release it.
However, Lynton said the company still hoped a wider audience would eventually have access to the movie.
“While we hope this is only the first step of the film’s release,” the Sony CEO said, “we are proud to make it available to the public and to have stood up to those who attempted to suppress free speech.”
This article was first posted at 12:37 p.m. and has since been updated.
