Canadian movie theatres kowtow to threats, pull 'The Interview'

If you’re looking forward to seeing James Franco’s latest movie, you’re going to be disappointed, at least for the time being.

The controversial comedy The Interview is scheduled for released on Christmas Day, but the threat of attacks on movie theatres that air the film have prompted several chains to scuttle their plans.

Including here in Canada.

Five major America theatre chains have already announced they will not play Sony’s The Interview. And Canada’s Cineplex Entertainment chain now says it will “postpone” showing the video until the perceived danger is gone.

"After careful consideration of this unprecedented and complex situation, Cineplex Entertainment … will postpone presentation of the Sony Pictures movie, The Interview,” reads a statement attributed to company vice-president Pat Marshall.

"Cineplex takes seriously its commitment to the freedom of artistic expression, but we want to reassure our guests and staff that their safety and security is our number one priority. We look forward to a time when this situation is resolved and those responsible are apprehended."

Those “responsible” are a group of hackers calling themselves Guardians of Peace, which has launched a war against Sony Pictures Entertainment over the scheduled release of the film, a comedy revolving around a plot to assassinate the leader of North Korea.

First, they broke into the studio’s computer system and released private emails and personal information about studio executives. More recently, they threatened to attack moviegoers who watch the film and raised the spectre of another Sept. 11-like attack.

"Soon all the world will see what an awful movie Sony Pictures Entertainment has made," the threat reads. “The world will be full of fear. Remember the 11th of September 2001.”

According to U.S. Homeland Security, there is “no credible intelligence” suggesting an attack is imminent. But movie theatres are taking the threat seriously.

A New York premiere scheduled for Thursday night has already been cancelled. Stars Seth Rogen and James Franco have also cancelled several promotional appearances.

What followed was the string of cancellations from theatre chains across the continent. Cineplex Entertainment operates 161 theatres across Canada, with a total of 1,639 screens.

The National Post reports that Rainbow Cinemas & Magic Lantern Theatres, which operates 17 theatres in Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan, are also planning to pull the movie. Though some theatres were still promoting the film as of Thursday afternoon.

There is no indication as to when, if ever, Rainbow Cinemas & Magic Lantern Theatres, would eventually screen the film. But if they are anything like Cineplex, it will be when the “situation is resolved and those responsible are apprehended.”