Cast members James Franco and Seth Rogen pose during premiere of the film "The Interview" in Los Angeles
Cast members James Franco (L) and Seth Rogen pose during premiere of the film "The Interview" in Los Angeles, California December 11, 2014. Reuters/Kevork Djansezian

Cinemas in the US have cancelled the screening of the film, about a plot to kill North Korea's leader, prompting Sony to shelf the project altogether. The film, which stars Seth Rogen and James Franco (who are not reacting), was said to put North Korea in an unflattering light. It also includes a scene where the North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, was killed.

Based on BGR's report, the United States has come to believe that North Korea was behind all the major hacks of Sony's internal networks and the many leaks that followed. Apparently, the movie's cancellation was due to the leaks and threats from hackers. Now many high-profile people including president Obama and several Hollywood personalities have issued their public responses.

President Obama recommended that people go to the movies but stressed that the hack poses a very serious threat. When Obama spoke to a US television network, he asked the public to be vigilant. The President also pledged that they will alert the public once the government sees something that is serious and credible.

Several famous names have also reacted on the decision to shelve the movie, even accusing Sony Pictures of caving-in to the hackers' threats. Actor Rob Lowe tweeted saying that he has never seen Hollywood in this condition. While actor Ben Stiller said that what happened was a clear threat to the freedom of expression in America, CNET reports.

On the other hand, director and producer Judd Apatow has posted many upset tweets. He said that the theatres, who decided not to show the movie, were quite disgraceful. It also gave Apatow the idea that a movie can now be easily pulled-out in case it suffers from another anonymous threats.

Oscar-winning screenwriter Aaron Sorkin has already expressed his disgust to the media for spreading information leaked by the hackers. He said that the unprecedented attack clearly violates the principle of free speech. Meanwhile, actor Steve Carell called the move a "sad day for creative expression" and even added the hashtag #feareatsthesoul.

Finally, Sony said it was deeply saddened at this brazen effort to suppress the distribution of a movie. The cancellation came after hackers who call themselves "Guardians of Peace" leaked emails and data stolen from Sony in late November. In a later threat to cinemas screening "The Interview," the alleged hackers referred to the 9/11 attacks, claiming "the world will be full of fear".