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The Interview
Three of the largest cinema chains in the United States have pulled the contentious film The Interview following threats of violence at screenings.
AMC, Regal and Cinemark have all dropped the controversial Seth Rogen and James Franco film from their listings.
The decision comes after a hacking group known as the Guardians of Peace (GoP) performed a crippling attack on producers Sony Pictures, threatening action unless the studio withdrew the film.
Those warnings took on a much more menacing tone on Tuesday when parties claiming to be affiliated with the GoP referenced 9/11 and promised a “bitter fate” for anyone who chose to see the film.
It now appears the hackers have partially achieved their goal with the amount of screening venues in the US significantly reduced.
The Verge reports the National Association of Theatre Owners came to the decision during a conference call on Wednesday.
“The ability of our guests to enjoy the entertainment they choose in safety and comfort is and will continue to be a priority for theater owners," read a NATO statement (not that NATO).
“Individual cinema operators may decide to delay exhibition of the movie so that our guests may enjoy a safe holiday movie season experiencing the many other exciting films we have to offer."
Read more: Sony aiming to keep lid on hack by threatening press
The decision will lead to criticism from those who’ve urged Sony not to bow the threats and is sure to re-open the debate about censorship in the face of terrorism.
Sony is yet to comment on the report, but it’s another blow for the company seeking to get back on track following the debilitating hacker invasion.