The cyber-attack on Sony Pictures that led to the cancellation of upcoming movie The Interview is being treated as a serious national security matter. The film was to tell the story of two journalists that are granted an interview with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un before being asked to assassinate him.
North Korea had threatened to take revenge if the film was released. Hackers had issued a warning to any cinema-goers hoping to see the movie, whilst several forthcoming Sony Pictures movies were leaked earlier this month in what was suspected to be North Korean retaliation for the film.
Distributors Sony Pictures cancelled the release of the film, which was due to hit theatres on Christmas day, after several leading cinema chains said that they would not screen it. The decision to cancel the film has been described as ‘cowardly’ by various well-known figures. It’s been said that US officials are planning an “appropriate response” to the cyber-attack – although North Korea’s involvement has not been proved. A joint investigation between the FBI and the Department of Justice is said to be underway.
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