Entertainment
‘The Interview’ on Track to Break Digital Release Record
This photo released by Sony – Columbia Pictures shows James Franco, left, as Dave and Seth Rogen as Aaron in a scene from Columbia Pictures’ “The Interview.” Sony Pictures Entertainment says that The Interview has made more than $31 million from its online and on-demand release. The studio on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015, announced digital figures for the film spanning its first 11 days of release since Dec. 24. (AP Photo/Sony – Columbia Pictures, Ed Araquel)
NEW YORK (AP) — Digital sales for “The Interview” are up to $40 million, putting the release on track to eclipse “Bridesmaids” as the biggest online release.
In a statement Tuesday, Sony Pictures chief executive Michael Lynton called the total “a significant milestone.” The film has been playing on a variety of online and on-demand platforms. It has also added $6 million in box office sales, playing in select independent theaters.
In early 2012, “Bridesmaids” set the previous record for digital release with $40 million in sales.
While record-breaking, the digital release of “The Interview” means Sony will struggle to break even on the $40 million-plus film, whose national release was canceled amid a diplomatic dispute with North Korea.
Receipts are split with distributors, and marketing would have cost around $25 million.
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