After a brutal pre-theatrical release leak in early December as a result of the Sony hack, “Annie” is set to hit theaters Friday.
The updated version of the classic features Oscar nominee Quvenzhane Wallace, along with Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz, Bobby Cannavale and Rose Byrne.
The high-quality version of the film leaked online is believed to be a rip of a DVD screener provided by the studio for promotional purposes. The movies “Still Alice,” “Fury” and “Mr. Turner” were also leaked.
The hack into Sony’s computer systems compromised a bevy of studio information, including personal emails, film budgets and actors’ salaries.
Those who perpetrated the attack call themselves the Guardians of Peace, and they’ve released a steady stream of information since the breach was first announced December 1.
Senior administration officials, who did not speak on the record, told the New York Times that based on intelligence findings North Korea was “centrally involved” in the hacking of Sony Pictures. Those officials also indicated the White House is debating whether to publicly accuse North Korea of a cyberterrorism attack.
The hackers had demanded that Sony cancel its release of the upcoming movie “The Interview,” which depicts the assassination of North Korea’s leader. Sony Pictures announced on December 17 that the December 25 release was canceled, after receiving the threat of terrorist attacks from hackers.
