‘The Interview’ on track to break digital release record
NEW YORK (AP) – Digital sales for “The Interview” are up to $40 million, putting the release on track to eclipse “Bridesmaids” as the biggest online release.
In a statement this week, Sony Pictures chief executive Michael Lynton called the total “a significant milestone.” The film has been playing on a variety of online and on-demand platforms. It has also added $6 million in box office sales, playing in select independent theaters.
In early 2012, “Bridesmaids” set the previous record for digital release with $40 million in sales.
While record-breaking, the digital release of “The Interview” means Sony will struggle to break even on the $40 million-plus film, whose national release was canceled amid a diplomatic dispute with North Korea.
Receipts are split with distributors, and marketing would have cost around $25 million.