Sony now says that the Video On Demand of The Interview with James Franco and Seth Rogen has now grossed $40 million. That’s far more than its total gross from a limited theatrical release.
Less than a week after it was posted online on Christmas Eve, the film had made $15 million. Two weeks ago, the studio said that it was up to $31 million. Now, the controversial film is up to $40 million. In theaters, the film has only grossed $6 million.
Sony Pictures CEO Michael Lynton called the total a “significant milestone” today, reports The Associated Press.
The film, which was pulled from a wide Christmas Day release after hackers threatened theaters that planned to show it, cost the studio $40 million to make. So, there was concern that Sony would have to take a loss on the film, especially since it likely spent around $25 million to market it. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the National Association of Theatre Owners estimated that Sony would lose $30 million on the movie.
Sony could have lost even more if it stuck with its initial decision to not release the movie about a fake plot to assassinate Kim Jong-Un at all. However, when President Obama and social media users criticized Sony, the studio opted for the limited and online release.
image of James Franco courtesy of Dara Kushner/INFphoto.com