Sony’s controversial comedy The Interview has become the company’s most-downloaded title of all time, just 4 days after its release on December 24.
The Interview was downloaded more than 2 million times as of December 27, making back $15 million, a third of its $44 million budget.
The movie, about a fictional American plot to kill North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, had previously been pulled from release over security fears.
It angered North Korea and may have triggered a cyber attack on Sony.
The hack, from a group calling itself the Guardians of Peace, led to the leaking of confidential information including upcoming movie scripts, confidential emails and actors’ salaries.
Sony halted the release after unspecified threats of attacks against theaters.
The FBI later said its investigation into the hacking attack pointed the finger at North Korea. The country denied involvement, but described the hack as a “righteous deed”.
Sony said in a statement on December 28 that The Interview was made available in the US and Canada through Google services YouTube and Play, Microsoft’s Xbox Video and its dedicated website in HD versions for 48-hour rental at $5.99 and for purchase at $14.99.
The Interview made $15 million in its first three days on sale.
There was also a “strong turnout” for the movie’s limited theater release, after major US chains backed out of screening it.
Sony’s move to cancel The Interview‘s release had garnered criticism in the US including from President Barack Obama, who said it meant freedom of expression was under threat.
[youtube frsvWVEHowg 650]
