The Interview, which centres on the fictional assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un by two journalists, has been at the forefront of entertainment and international news after a series of hacks exposed many sensitive documents from Sony. A hacker group called Guardians of the Peace have taken responsibility for the hack and the US believes North Korea is behind the hacker group. North Korea has denied being behind the attacks and has promised to head a joint investigation with the US into the hacks, as the BBC reports.

The Interview
Seth Rogen (L) and James Franco (R) in a promotional image for The Interview.

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The release of The Interview was cancelled after the group issued a series of threats against cinema goers which have been dubbed the first acts of 'cyberterrorism'. Following the hacks and subsequent threats, political pressure on Sony mounted with President Obama issuing a series of statements in support of The Interview's release. 

Obama has been one of the first to celebrate the news and the White House issued a statement in which the President emphasised the importance of free speech and artistic express. The statement from the White House is as follows:

"The president applauds Sony's decision to authorize screenings of the film. As the President made clear, we are a country that believes in free speech, and the right of artistic expression. The decision made by Sony and participating theatres allows people to make their own choices about the film, and we welcome that outcome."

The film's stars, Seth Rogen and James Franco, have also celebrated Sony's decision to release the film. Rogen, on Twitter, wrote "The people have spoken! Freedom has prevailed! Sony didn't give up! The Interview will be shown at theaters willing to play it on Xmas day!" Franco, on Instagram, posted an photograph with the caption "CELEBRATING!!!!! The Interview starring Seth Rogen and James Flacco saved by President Obacco! I MEAN PRESIDENT OBAMA!!!!! Sorry!!!" The deliberate misspelling of Obama's name is in response to an interview given by Obama in which he accidently referred to Franco as 'Flacco'. 

Read More: North Korea's Internet Goes Down Completely, Obama Stays Silent.