UPDATE: Sony Warned by Hackers Not to Release THE INTERVIEW on VOD

Deadline reports that Sony has received a second threat warning the studio not to release the controversial film THE INTERVIEW on VOD or elsewhere.

According to a CNN report, the hackers sent the beleaguered studio a email saying their decision to pull the film, starring James Franco and Seth Rogen was "very wise decision" however it also suggested there would be consequences if the studio released the movie on VOD. Deadline has confirmed that the email was indeed received by Sony Pictures Entertainment Amy Pascal and CEO Michael Lynton. The studio execs have not commented on the report.

Earlier this week, Sony released the following statement explaining their decision to pull the film from movie theaters:

"Those who attacked us stole our intellectual property, private emails, and sensitive and proprietary material, and sought to destroy our spirit and our morale - all apparently to thwart the release of a movie they did not like...We are deeply saddened at this brazen effort to suppress the distribution of a movie, and in the process do damage to our company, our employees, and the American public," it continues. "We stand by our filmmakers and their right to free expression and are extremely disappointed by this outcome."

THE INTERVIEW follows Dave Skylark (James Franco) and his producer Aaron Rapoport (Seth Rogen) run the popular celebrity tabloid TV show "Skylark Tonight." When they discover that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is a fan of the show, they land an interview with him in an attempt to legitimize themselves as journalists. As Dave and Aaron prepare to travel to Pyongyang, their plans change when the CIA recruits them, perhaps the two least-qualified men imaginable, to assassinate Kim Jong-un.