A semi loaded with fuel oil explosives could kill hundreds or thousands on a Saturday night. North Korean hit squads are known for their determination and skill. While this kind of attack might invite devastating retaliation from the US military up to and including the defenestration and execution of Kim Jong-un, that's small comfort for the theater chain affected, which would be subject to lawsuits and potential judgments far exceeding the profitability of a single film. Ultimately, they make money off concession stand sales. Why risk an attack that could cost them tens of millions when there are plenty of other films for their audience to watch?
That's exactly right. After the threats' publication, a chain would be insane to screen it. Any clear-thinking owner or shareholder or insurer would absolutely prohibit it, because having been forewarned and going ahead anyway, the liability would be enormous. It would bankrupt the chain. Foregoing screening isn't cowardly, it's prudent.
I liked taildragger's suggestion that Sony just send it straight to the web.
Dream on. America hasn't been allowed to kick anyone around since WWII. And with Obama in office? Such an attack would probably be met with an apology for offending them.