Sony has confirmed it has no plans to release the satirical film The Interview internationally, in any form, following threats from hackers.

Cinemas in the US cancelled screenings of the film, about a plot to kill North Korea’s leader, prompting Sony to shelve it altogether.

But there has been dismay in Hollywood, with Ben Stiller calling the move “a threat to freedom of expression”.

Hackers had issued a warming to cinema-goers who planned to watch the movie.

President Obama recommended that “people go to the movies”, but stressed that the hack was “very serious”.

Speaking to US television network ABC, he added: “We’ll be vigilant – if we see something that we think is serious and credible, then we’ll alert the public.”