It looks like Sony will have some Christmas presents under the tree for audiences this year after all. With the increasing calls for the studio to stand up and release Seth Rogen and James Franco‘s "The Interview"—including most recently from the PEN American Center—it looks like the studio is ready to allow those theaters that want to show the movie to do so. After hackers threatened violence if the film was released, theater chains big and small—Regal, AMC, Cinemark, Bow Tie, Arclight, and Canada’s major chain Cineplex among them—refused to screen "The Interview," leading to Sony pulling the movie from release. But there has been a steady tide of independent cinemas saying they’ll show the movie (the Art House Convergence issued their own statement/petition in support of Sony yesterday) and now it looks like the choice will be there.
Sony is expected to announced today that "The Interview" will be released theatrically and on VOD on Thursday, the previously scheduled release date for the film. And word seems to be circulating fast. A handful of theaters in Texas and Georgia have confirmed they will screen the film, including the famed Alamo Drafthouse. Here’s what owner Tim League tweeted earlier:
Breaking news: Sony has authorized screenings of THE INTERVIEW on Christmas Day. We are making shows available within the hour. #Victory
— Tim League (@timalamo) December 23, 2014
More details are expected later, but it’ll also be curious to see if any of the major chains decide to program the film after balking last week. It will also be interesting to see what ramifications this has on the studio’s relationship with theater chains, by turning around and dropping the highly publicized comedy on VOD at the same time as theatrical. Stay tuned for more. [The Dallas Morning News/The Wrap]
Update: Sony has confirmed a limited theatrical release for "The Interview" on Christmas Day. Seth Rogen has also responded.
Sony confirms limited theatrical release of #TheInterview Christmas Day http://t.co/uiW81zevqZ pic.twitter.com/TTnLLo5jre
— TheWrap (@TheWrap) December 23, 2014
The people have spoken! Freedom has prevailed! Sony didn’t give up! The Interview will be shown at theaters willing to play it on Xmas day!
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) December 23, 2014
