RICHMOND, Va. -- The general manager of the Byrd Theater in Carytown wants to show the controversial film “The Interview,” but Sony said no.

Several small theaters across the country announced plans to be the first to show the film after Sony changed its mind and decided to release the movie on Christmas Day.

Sony originally put the release on hold after threats of terrorist attacks.

The Byrd’s General Manager Todd Schall-Vess said he wants to join theaters in Northern Virginia, Martinsville, and Southwest Virginia who will show the movie on Christmas Day.

“I got 1300 seats, I'm ready to show it,” Schall-Vess said.

But, he said Sony turned him down because The Byrd is a discount theater.

RELATED: Where you can catch ‘The Interview’ in northern Va. on Christmas Day