President Obama Lauds Sony on THE INTERVIEW's Theatrical Release

Following today's news that THE INTERVIEW would hit selected theaters on Christmas Day after all, the White House and President Barack Obama have released a statement praising Sony on the matter.

Per Deadline:

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

The Plaza Atlanta theater and the Alamo Drafthouse announced today through their social media sites that Sony Pictures has given the approval for them to show the controversial comedy THE INTERVIEW, starring James Franco and Seth Rogan in their theaters on Christmas Day.

The announcements follow:

The Alamo - Breaking news: Sony has authorized screenings of THE INTERVIEW on Christmas Day. We are making shows available within the hour.

Plaza Atlanta - Breaking Plaza News: THE INTERVIEW will open Exclusive on 12/25 . The Plaza will be one of the few theaters in the nation to open the film .

Michael Lynton, Chairman and CEO of Sony Entertainment also made an official statement confirming that select theaters will screen the film Christmas day:

"We have never given up on releasing 'The Interview' and we're excited our movie will be in a number of theaters on Christmas Day. At the same time, we are continuing our efforts to secure more platforms and more theaters so that this movie reaches the largest possible audience.

I want to thank our talent on 'The Interview' and our employees , who have worked tirelessly through the many challenges we have all faced over the last month. While we hope this is only the first step of the film's release, we are proud to make it available to the public and to have stood up to those who attempted to suppress free speech."

Actor James Franco turned to Instagram following today's announcement to celebrate his film's arrival on the big screen: "VICTORY!!!!!!! The PEOPLE and THE PRESIDENT have spoken!!! SONY to release THE INTERVIEW in theaters on XMAS DAY!"

Tweeted actor Seth Rogen: "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!"

Last week, Somy decided to pull the James Franco-Seth Rogan led film from theaters following threats of violence from hackers working for North Korea. In a speech last week, President Obama criticized the studio for being "intimidated by these kind of criminal attacks.' Sony responded that the cancellation came only after theater chains and other streaming sites refused to show the film.

THE INTERVIEW follows Dave Skylark (James Franco) and his producer Aaron Rapoport (Seth Rogen) who run the popular celebrity tabloid TV show "Skylark Tonight." When they discover that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is a fan of the show, they land an interview with him in an attempt to legitimize themselves as journalists. As Dave and Aaron prepare to travel to Pyongyang, their plans change when the CIA recruits them, perhaps the two least-qualified men imaginable, to assassinate Kim Jong-un.