Sony Cancels ‘The Interview’ Scheduled Release Date

As a result of security concerns, Sony Pictures has pulled the plug on “The Interview” – at least, for now.

“In light of the decision by the majority of our exhibitors not to show the film ‘The Interview,’ we have decided not to move forward with the planned December 25 theatrical release. We respect and understand our partners’ decision and, of course, completely share their paramount interest in the safety of employees and theater-goers,” a statement from the studio to Access Hollywood said on Thursday.

“Sony Pictures has been the victim of an unprecedented criminal assault against our employees, our customers, and our business. Those who attacked us stole our intellectual property, private emails, and sensitive and proprietary material, and sought to destroy our spirit and our morale – all apparently to thwart the release of a movie they did not like. We are deeply saddened at this brazen effort to suppress the distribution of a movie, and in the process do damage to our company, our employees, and the American public. We stand by our filmmakers and their right to free expression and are extremely disappointed by this outcome,” the statement continued.

WATCH: James Franco & Seth Rogen Slam Sony Hack

This decision comes after several major movie theater chains announced they wouldn’t be screening the film as a precaution to protect patrons.

Judd Apatow, who is not connected to “The Interview,” was very vocal on Twitter, encouraging theaters to show the film as planned.

PHOTOS: Seth Rogen & His Famous Friends

“I am not going to let a terrorist threat shut down freedom of speech. I am going to ‘The Interview.’ I think it is disgraceful that these theaters are not showing The Interview. Will they pull any movie that gets an anonymous threat now?,” he Tweeted. “What if an anonymous person got offended by something an executive at Coke said. Will we all have to stop drinking Coke?

“We also don’t know that it isn’t a disgruntled employee or a hacker. Do we think North Korea has troops on the ground in the US? Ridiculous,” his rant continued. “This only guarantees that this movie will be seen by more people on Earth than it would have before. Legally or illegally all will see it.

Jimmy Kimmel responded to Apatow.

“@JuddApatow I agree wholeheartedly. An un-American act of cowardice that validates terrorist actions and sets a terrifying precedent,” the late night talk show host Tweeted.

Earlier this week, “The Interview” stars James Franco and Seth Rogen canceled all scheduled appearances to promote their roles in the film. The movie’s New York premiere was also canceled on Wednesday.

— Paige Feigenbaum