Freedom has prevailed: Rogen, Franco on 'The Interview' release

New York: Actor Seth Rogen and co-star James Franco hailed Sony Entertainment's decision to finally go ahead with a limited release of their comedy film 'The Interview' this Christmas.

Sony had earlier pulled the film from theatres after a cyber attack on its computers that resulted in the loss of confidential information. The 32-year-old Rogen said, "The people have spoken! Freedom has prevailed! Sony didn't give up! The Interview will be shown at theatres willing to play it on X'mas day."

US President Barack Obama had previously criticised Sony for pulling the plug on the film, and Rogen's co-star James Franco suggested his speech helped empower the studio to move forward with the release.

"'The Interview' starring Seth Rogen and James Flacco saved by President Obacco! I MEAN PRESIDENT OBAMA!!!!! Sorry!!! (sic)," Franco tweeted. More than 20 cinemas, located in Atlanta, Texas, Colorado, Virginia and New York, have already agreed to screen the film.

Sony previously considered trying to release the film online. In a recent statement, the company said, "Sony Pictures Entertainment is and always has been strongly committed to the First Amendment. Free expression should never be suppressed by threats and extortion."