Sony cancels "The Interview;" "Hobbit" hits theaters

Hollywood remains abuzz on Thursday (December 18) following Sony's decision to cancel the release of the film "The Interview" after security experts in Washington said North Korea was behind the studio's hacking and after major theater chains said they would not screen the film, which stars Seth Rogen and James Franco on a mission to assassinate Kim Jong Un. Newspapers headlined the decision - while a slew of Hollywood celebrities like Rob Lowe and Ben Stiller - took to social media to express their disappointment that movie was pulled.

The fallout has reportedly also affected Steve Carell. According to Deadline, a North Korean-themed movie starring the actor has already been scrapped. The film was reportedly a thriller about a man accused by North Korea of espionage. It was currently in pre-production. Carell wrote on Twitter, "Sad day for creative expression."

"The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies" is off to a successful start. The film, which opened in North Amer