Sony Pictures has confirmed the screening of the controversial movie "The Interview" in more than 200 US theatres on Christmas Day.
The film was previously pulled by Sony due to terror threats from hackers, believed to be from North Korea, against those theatres screening the movie.
"The Interview" is a comedy movie, whose plot involves a scheme to kill North Korean President Kim Jong Un.
Sony Entertainment chairman and CEO Michael Lynton said: "We have never given up on releasing ‘The Interview’ and we’re excited our movie will be in a number of theaters on Christmas Day."
"At the same time, we are continuing our efforts to secure more platforms and more theaters so that this movie reaches the largest possible audience."
"I want to thank our talent on ‘The Interview’ and our employees, who have worked tirelessly through the many challenges we have all faced over the last month."
"While we hope this is only the first step of the film’s release, we are proud to make it available to the public and to have stood up to those who attempted to suppress free speech."
Sony’s plan to pull the movie was criticised by members of the Hollywood community and President Barack Obama, who noted that Sony had made ‘a mistake.’
Following Sony’s latest move, White House spokesperson Eric Schultz was quoted as saying by CNBC that US President Barack Obama ‘applauds Sony’s decision to authorize screenings of the film’ and restores America’s image as a nation that ‘believes in free speech, and the right of artistic expression.’
Recently, Sony also sent a letter to Twitter seeking ban on all accounts linked to the hacking attack that targeted the company’s computers late last month.
