The entrance of Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, California is seen December 16, 2014. "Guardians of Peace" hackers invoked the 9/11 attacks in their most chilling threat yet against Sony Pictures, warning the Hollywood studio not to release a film which has angered North Korea. ; Credit: -/AFP/Getty Images
AMC Theaters, the country's second largest cinema chain, will not show the film "The Interview" in the wake of violent threats, according to multiple reports. The computer hacking of Sony Pictures catapulted from a business crisis to a security threat yesterday when supposed hackers targeting "The Interview" film threatened to attack cinemas showing the satire depicting the assassination of North Korea's leader. Citing the attacks of September 11, 2001, the alleged hackers wrote, "We will clearly show it to you at the very time and places ‘The Interview’ be shown, including the premiere, how bitter fate those who seek fun in terror should be doomed to."
The Department of Homeland Security said there was "no credible intelligence to indicate an active plot against movie theaters," but noted it was still analyzing messages from the group, dubbed Guardians of Peace (GOP). In response Sony gave theater owners the okay to pull the film. Some cinema owners have announced they will not air the movie. And the GOP warning did prompt law enforcement in New York and Los Angeles to address measures to ramp up security. Should Sony pull the film from theaters entirely? Would you go see the movie Christmas Day? What about other big movies airing on neighboring screens? How seriously should the threat be taken?
With files from the Associated Press.
Guest:
John Horn, host of KPCC's "The Frame" which covers arts & entertainment weekdays at 3:30 p.m.