The film that made a splash without even being released in theaters, “The Interview,” finally made its debut on iTunes, four days after it began streaming on various video sites.
The controversial film, which was the subject of a security breach at Sony Pictures Entertainment, was uploaded to the Apple Store on Sunday morning. The film, which has been available since Wednesday on YouTube Movies, Google Play, Xbox and a special website set up by Sony for the purpose, Seetheinterview.com, is now available to rent on iTunes for $6 or purchase for $15.
The move appears to reverse Apple's decision, which reportedly refused Sonyto host the film in the comedy category. The film stars Seth Rogen and James Franco as journalists who plot to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The film was scheduled to hit theaters on December 25, but was canceled after threats of violence against theaters and the attack on Sony.
The threats were made by hackers who were also responsible for the breach of Sony Pictures Entertainment's network security in late November, which resulted in a massive leak of company secrets, as well as those of its employees and several actors. The FBI has said that North Korea was behind the attack.
On Tuesday, Sony announced that it will release “The Interview” in theaters that have expressed their willingness to screen it, which number more than 200. It was also announced that it will release the film on even more platforms and theaters worldwide.
