In a major about-face, Sony Pictures has decided to go ahead with the showing of the controversial film, The Interview, after all.
The film, a comedy which depicts the assassination of Kim Jong-un, the Leader of North Korea, had initially had its Christmas Day launch cancelled because of threats from a shadowy group that had hacked the company's websites. The same group had threatened to carry out unspecified actions against cinema goers if the film was shown.
The decision to cancel the showing of the movie had been criticised by US President Barack Obama, who, at a press conference, said he wished Sony Pictures had contacted him before making such a drastic decision.
The film will now be shown in some independent US cinemas on Thursday, in keeping with the latest decision.
Sony Chairman Michael Lynton said he was "excited" that the comedy, about a plot to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, would now be seen.
Two cinemas in Atlanta and Austin have already revealed screenings. They said via social media that Sony Pictures had authorised them to show the film, which has been at the centre of escalating tensions between the US and North Korea.
The White House welcomed the development, with a spokesman saying that President Barack Obama applauded Sony's decision and that the US was a country that "believes in free speech".
Seth Rogen, the film's director, tweeted: "The people have spoken! Freedom has prevailed! Sony didn't give up!"
SOURCE: BBC
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