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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

‘The Interview’ canceled

Carolyn Lamberson

Sony has canceled the Christmas Day release of "The Interview."

The movie, starring James Franco and Seth Rogan (who also directs) is a comedy about a TV news reporter who lands an interview with Kim Jong Un, only to be enlisted by the CIA to assassinate the North Korean dictator. The film has been at the center of a massive hack of Sony Pictures' computer system, a hack that some suggest North Korea is behind. Recently, the hackers threatened violence against moviegoers who see the film.

The New York premiere was canceled, and theater chains announced plans to not screen the comedy, including AMC and Regal, which operate theaters in Spokane and Coeur d'Alene.

USA Today quoted a Sony 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."