Sony Pictures executives told theaters they are free to pull "The Interview" from their multiplexes following threats of violence by a hacker group, according to people with knowledge of the situation.

The studio will support whatever decision exhibitors make regarding the Seth Rogen comedy, said one person, who was not authorized to speak publicly and asked not to be named.

Hackers who seized control of Sony's computer system last month have threatened people who go to see the movie, which opens Dec. 25 in the U.S.