Sony Pictures has cancelled the release of Vancouver-shot North Korea comedy “The Interview” following an ominous threat of terror attacks.

The studio said it made the decision after several major theatre chains, including Cineplex Entertainment in Canada, pulled showings of the Seth Rogen-James Franco film over safety concerns.

“We respect and understand our partners’ decision and, of course, completely share their paramount interest in the safety of employees and theater-goers,” Sony Pictures said in a statement.

The movie was scheduled to open on Christmas Day.

On Tuesday, a threatening note emerged warning the public to keep away from theatres showing the controversial comedy, which follows Rogen and Franco on a fictional CIA-backed plot to assassinate North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un.

The threat, which came from a group of hackers calling themselves Guardians of Peace, invoked the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks and warned that even people who live near theatres could be affected.

The FBI said it is aware of the threat and has launched an investigation.

“We are deeply saddened at this brazen effort to suppress the distribution of a movie,” Sony said Wednesday. “We stand by our filmmakers and their right to free expression and are extremely disappointed by this outcome.”

Prior to Sony’s announcement, Cineplex, one of Canada’s biggest entertainment companies, said it was postponing showings of “The Interview” due to safety concerns.

“We look forward to a time when this situation is resolved and those responsible are apprehended,” spokesman Pat Marshall said in an email.

AMC, Regal Cinemas and Cinemarx theatres had also decided not to show the movie before Sony cancelled the debut.

North Korea has been a vocal critic of the film, describing it as an act of war against the country. There has been speculation the country is behind a massive Sony hack that exposed thousands of private emails and released several of the studio’s upcoming movies online.

Part of the film was shot in Vancouver, where Robson Square was dressed to look like the streets of Pyongyang and a large statue of Kim Jong-un was erected.

One of the stars, Rogen, was also born in the city.

With files from The Associated Press