'The Interview' gets the job done: $31M in sales

Alison Maxwell | USA TODAY

Looks like The Interview got the job done.

Sony Pictures announced Tuesday that the film has been rented or purchased online and through cable, satellite, and telecom providers more than 4.3 million times, totaling over $31 million in consumer sales.

The film is currently available through a variety of online options including Google Play, YouTube Movies, Xbox Video, iTunes and the dedicated website seetheinterview.com. It costs $5.99 to watch the movie.

It's the number one online film in Sony Picture Entertainment's history.

The Interview, which stars Seth Rogen and James Franco, also opened in select theaters on Christmas Day. Sony says that to date theatrical box office totals are $5 million.

The R-rated comedy was pulled from theaters in December. After September 11th style threats to theaters by hackers, reportedly due to the film's portrayal of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, major theater chains announced that they would not be showing the film which was due to open on Christmas Day.

On December 18, Sony Pictures released a statement announcing it was not releasing the movie.

"In light of the decision by the majority of our exhibitors not to show the film The Interview, we have decided not to move forward with the planned December 25 theatrical release. We respect and understand our partners' decision and, of course, completely share their paramount interest in the safety of employees and theater-goers."

But the decision was reversed and the comedy was released on VOD and in 330 independent theaters. The Interview made $15 million in its first four days of release.