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After Threat, Top Theaters Choose Not To Show 'The Interview'

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The nation's largest theater chains have decided to pull Sony Pictures' "The Interview" following threats of violence from hackers calling themselves the Guardians of Peace.

Regal, AMC, Cinemark, and Carmike Cinemas -- the top four theater chains in the United States -- have decided to cancel screenings of the comedy, which stars James Franco and Seth Rogen, The Los Angeles Times reports. 

On Tuesday, the hackers cited 9/11 as they warned that "the world will be full of fear" following the film's premiere. They warned moviegoers to stay away from theaters showing the film, adding "if your house is nearby, you'd better leave."

Following the threat, the New York premiere of the comedy for Thursday was canceled, and Sony gave movie exhibitors the choice on whether or not to show the film, which is about a plot to assassinate the leader of North Korea. "The Interview" was slated to screen nationwide on Christmas Day.

The Department of Homeland Security said that there's no credible intelligence that any plot of an attack exists, but it, along with other law enforcement agencies, are investigating.

The hackers broke into Sony's computer network last month. Since then, they've almost daily embarrassed the studio by releasing early movie scripts and sensitive corporate emails.

Tuesday's warning ended with the words: "All the world will denounce the SONY."

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