UPDATE: Reaction to Sony canceling release of ‘The Interview’

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Sony Pictures has announced it will not release a controversial movie set to open on Christmas.

The move to hold off on releasing “The Interview” comes after top movie theater owners, including operators of Wilmington’s two multiplexes, announced they would not screen the film, amid threats of violence over its depiction of North Korea.

“We respect and understand our partners’ decision and, of course, completely share their paramount interest in the safety of employees and theater-goers,” Sony Pictures said in a statement.

The movie would have been tough to see in our area even if it had been released.

Carmike Cinemas, with a theater in Wilmington and two in Jacksonville, and Regal Entertainment, which owns the theater at Mayfaire, had already announced they would not show the movie. As of this afternoon, tickets for “The Interview” were on sale on the website Fandango for Frank Theatres Coastal Cinemas in Shallotte.

We stopped by Carmike Wednesday night to speak to people going to the movies about Sony’s decision to pull the film.

“I mean in the long run, it’s really just a movie.” said Raja Jalernpan. “The point of a movie is just to enjoy yourself and to get the story across, but to not go as far as to offend people.”

“It’s hard to take a Seth Rogen movie seriously.” Moviegoers Ivy and Katy said. “I can’t imagine this movie is going to influence anyone’s decision or cause anyone to do anything crazy.”

Carmike and Regal are among the top five theater owners in the country who decided to drop the movie from their screens after a group called Guardians of Peace threatened violence reminiscent of the Sept. 11 terror attacks at theaters running the movie. Guardians of Peace believe the film, starring Seth Rogen and James Franco, portrays North Korea negatively.