The leader of North Korea may not like it, but a Canadian cinema chain has decided to put “The Interview” on the big screen.

Magic Lantern Theatres and Rainbow Cinemas will begin showing the movie on Jan. 2 at 27 locations in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta.

Tom Hutchinson, a spokesperson for the chain, says the company would have liked to play the film as soon as possible, but had to first get permission from Sony Pictures.

The comedy stars Seth Rogen and James Franco, and the plot revolves around a mission to kill the dictatorial leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-un.

Sony Pictures initially cancelled the film’s release after a cyberattack and threats from hackers, but brought it back after U.S. President Barack Obama called the decision “a mistake.”

The White House said the cyberattack was orchestrated by North Korea.

After the film was released in a small number of U.S. theatres and online last week, it brought in more than US$15 million.

Sony said Sunday that it was rented or purchased online more than two million times.

Hutchinson said more Magic Lantern and Rainbow Cinemas locations may be added to the list of those screening the film later this week.

The following locations are slated to screen the film this weekend.

  • Uptown, Barrie, Ont.
  • Algonquin, Pembroke, Ont.
  • Lakeshore, Windsor, Ont.
  • Oakville Mews, Oakville, Ont.
  • Mayfair, Ottawa, Ont.
  • Cine Starz, Orleans, Ont.
  • Cine Starz, Mississauga, Ont.
  • Carlton, Toronto, Ont.
  • Rainbow St. Laurent, Ottawa, Ont.
  • TIFF Bell Lightbox, Toronto, Ont. (SUNDAY ONLY)
  • Quesnel, B.C.
  • Williams Lake, B.C.
  • Grand, Salmon Arm, B.C.
  • Hollywood, Surrey, B.C.
  • Hollywood, Pitt Meadows, B.C.
  • Towne, Vernon, B.C.
  • Cottonwood, Chilliwack, B.C.
  • Leduc, Alta.
  • Wetaskiwin, Alta.
  • River City, Peace River, Alta.
  • Carnival, Red Deer, Alta.
  • Movie Mill, Lethbridge, Alta.
  • Plaza, Calgary, Alta.
  • Rainbow, Regina, Sask.
  • Roxy, Saskatoon, Sask.
  • Dollar, Montreal, Que.
  • Portage La Prairie, Man.
  • Northshore, Campbellton, N.B.