Sony Pictures Pulls "The Interview" from Theaters Due to Cyber Threats

Sony Pictures, as well as its move "The Interview" is in too deep right now, as a group of hackers identifying themselves as the Guardians of Peace (#GOP) breached into their servers since last month. The group has obtained thousands of the company’s files that contain sensitive information, which were leaked to the public in batches.

#GOP clearly stated in their warning message their reason for hacking the company. They said that they’re expressing their anger towards the company for giving a green light signal to a movie that poses a threat to world peace.

As of the moment, the whole filming industry is anticipating for Sony’s next move for its movie that has already been causing them a lot of trouble. It has compromised the company’s confidentiality, and puts them at risk of falling apart. All thanks to #GOP that made it happen.

Sony only has two options to get out of its predicament. One is to cancel the domestic release of the film, while allowing it to be played on selected market areas in order to cut some of its losses. Their second option, which is a more drastic one, is to pull the comedy entirely. “This would be standard procedure if a terrorist threat was made for a concert: you cancel the concert,” one producer puts it.  Either way, it would allow Sony to save face, dancing to #GOP’s tune – even though they would do it to avoid further damages from hackers.

If Sony, however, would still want to continue with the release schedule, which should be on Christmas day, they could still release it in whatever cinema chain that is still operating on their favor after the hackers are done with the threats.

Sony Pictures has been battling against its direct rivals for many years. But with a new threat that has put the studio in a very tight spot, they are forced to make a decision that would either make or break of their legacy in the industry.