Sony Reaches Deal With YouTube, Google Play, and Xbox to Stream “The Interview”

Sony and YouTube have reached a tentative deal to stream "The Interview."

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Complex Original

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A report from CNN and Variety says that Sony and YouTube have reached a deal to stream The Interview. The deal would be non-exclusive, meaning that Sony will continue negotiating with other platforms as a means of having the controversial film reach anybody who wants to see it.

The YouTube deal would presumably be a VOD rental situation (rather than free), but would nevertheless provide anyone with a high-speed internet connection easy access to this shining beacon of Patriotism and free speech. Sony has also authorized theaters to screen the movie, and cinemas across the nation will be showing it beginning tomorrow.

More details may be forthcoming, and we’ll bring you those as soon as we have them.

UPDATE: The deal is done. Deadline reports that as of 1 P.M EST today (yes, in less than an hour), The Interview will be available to rent or buy on Google Play, YouTube Movies, Microsoft’s Xbox Video, and the website http://www.seetheinterview.com. It will cost $5.99 to rent the movie, and $14.99 if you'd like to hold onto this piece of history forever. Here is a statement from Sony CEO Michael Lynton:


"It has always been Sony’s intention to have a national platform on which to release this film. With that in mind, we reached out to Google, Microsoft and other partners last Wednesday, December 17th, when it became clear our initial release plans were not possible. We are pleased we can now join with our partners to offer the film nation-wide today.


“We never stopped pursuing as wide a release as possible for The Interview. It was essential for our studio to release this movie, especially given the assault upon our business and our employees by those who wanted to stop free speech. We chose the path of digital distribution first so as to reach as many people as possible on opening day, and we continue to seek other partners and platforms to further expand the release.”


“I want to thank Google and Microsoft for helping make this a reality. This release represents our commitment to our filmmakers and free speech. While we couldn’t have predicted the road this movie traveled to get to this moment, I’m proud our fight was not for nothing and that cyber criminals were not able to silence us.


“No doubt the issues we have confronted these last few weeks will not end with this release, but we are gratified to have stood together and confident in our future. I want to thank everyone at Sony Pictures for their dedication and perseverance through what has been an extraordinary and difficult time."

Variety is now reporting that Sony is also negotiating with Netflix to bring the movie to the streaming service. While this deal would not coincide with Interview's release online today and in theaters tomorrow, it would still likely be available in the very near future.

[via Variety]

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