CNN: U.S. to Name North Korea as Source of Sony Hack

Following theater chains' decision not to screen the film, Sony canceled the release of the North Korea-set assassination comedy on Wednesday

The U.S. government is set to name North Korea as the source of the damaging cyberattack against Sony Pictures Entertainment, according to CNN Justice reporter Evan Perez.

Anchor Wolf Blitzer announced the news break during a broadcast of The Situation Room. A news Chyron on the cable channel read: "Sources: North Korean Leaders Ordered Attack on Sony." Separately, unnamed U.S. intelligence officials cited by The New York Times were quoted saying that the country was "centrally involved" in the hack.

While North Korea has been linked to the hack of the studio due to the subject material of the assassination-themed Seth Rogen-James Franco comedy The Interview, the country has not officially claimed responsibility.

Following theater chains' decision not to screen the film, Sony canceled the release of the comedy on Wednesday.

"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," the Sony Pictures Entertainment statement read.

Earlier in the day, Regal Entertainment, AMC Entertainment, Cinemark, Carmike Cinemas and Cineplex Entertainment canceled plans to screen the film in the wake of threats by the Guardians of Peace, the hacking group that claimed responsibility for the attack, that mentioned the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in an email to reporters.