Sony is pulling the plug on The Interview.

The studio has canceled the release of the Seth Rogen-James Franco comedy, which was set to open Christmas Day.

In a statement, Sony said, “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.”

The decision comes after five major theater chains including AMC Entertainment and Regal Entertainment announced they would not screen the film.

“Due to the wavering support of the film The Interview by Sony Pictures, as well as the ambiguous nature of any real or perceived threats, Regal Entertainment Group has decided to delay the opening of the film in our theatres,” a statement said.

The stampede began Tuesday night when Carmike, the fourth-largest cinema chain in the country, decided to cancel its planned showings of the film.

A second theater chain, Bow Tie Cinemas, announced it was pulling the movie Wednesday morning.

The chains are reacting to a message posted by hackers on Tuesday that threatened a “9/11″-style attack on theaters that screened the film about an assassination attempt by bumbling journalists against North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Bow Tie was “saddened and angered” by the threats, CEO Ben Moss said in a statement.

“We hope that those responsible for this act are swiftly identified and brought to justice,” Moss said.

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SOURCE: USA Today
Bryan Alexander, Andrea Mandell & Elizabeth Weise