'Freedom has prevailed!': 'The Interview' being shown in theaters on Christmas

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Sony to screen 'The Interview' on Christmas Day

Movie to be released to limited amount of theaters

Sony announced Tuesday the limited release of the embattled film "The Interview" beginning Christmas Day.

The move comes after the studio's widely criticized move to cancel the movie's release following threats from hackers who crippled the company's infrastructure and published the private information of thousands of employees and business associates.

"We have never given up on releasing 'The Interview' and we're excited our movie will be in a number of theaters on Christmas Day," said Michael Lynton, Chairman and CEO of Sony Entertainment. "At the same time, we are continuing our efforts to secure more platforms and more theaters so that this movie reaches the largest possible audience."

"I want to thank our talent on 'The Interview' and our employees, who have worked tirelessly through the many challenges we have all faced over the last month," Lynton said. "While we hope this is only the first step of the film's release, we are proud to make it available to the public and to have stood up to those who attempted to suppress free speech."

The film's star Seth Rogen was quick to voice his support on Twitter.

A theater in Atlanta was one of the first to announce "The Interview" would be shown. They posted screening information on their Facebook page hours before Sony's official announcement.

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A Change.org petition from independent theater owners had been posted pledging solidarity with Sony and urging the studio to make the movie available to them.

The petition site posted a statement that they had a achieved a "victory" and that Sony was making the movie available.

"Sony has authorized independent theaters to show 'The Interview' beginning on Christmas Day!"

Sony's attorney in the hacking scandal said on Sunday that the movie would be released in some form or fashion but did not say how or when.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.