The controversial comedy The Interview has become Sony Pictures’ most-downloaded film of all time just four days after it was released. The movie, which depicts two journalists asked to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, was pulled from cinemas after the North Korean government threatened to exact revenge on the US if it was shown.
A recent cyber-attack in which a number of high-profile Sony films were leaked prior to their release was linked to North Korea, who denied responsibility. Cynics have claimed that decision to pull the movie from theatres was a publicity stunt designed to stimulate interest in the film. The movie had been downloaded more than 2 million times by Saturday 27th December, meaning that a third of its budget had been recouped within four days.
The hack which led to the leaks of the Sony films also resulted in confidential emails, scripts for forthcoming films and information about actors’ salaries being revealed. Though North Korea denied involvement in the cyber-attack, they did describe it as a “righteous deed.” The FBI are still blaming the country for the hack. The Interview was given a limited theatre release after a number of leading cinemas refused to screen it due to security concerns. The decision to cancel the release was criticized by figures including Barack Obama, who was concerned about freedom of speech being compromised.
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