The studio issued an unverifiable update on Tuesday (January 20) to say its controversial comedy had reached $40m via digital platforms and been viewed more than 5.8million times.

“We always said that we would get the movie to the greatest audience possible,” Sony Entertainment CEO Michael Lynton said. “Achieving over $40 million in digital sales is a significant milestone.”

On December 17 the studio issued a statement that said: “Sony Pictures has no further release plans for the film.”

The Interview has grossed $5.9m through a limited theatrical release via arthouse cinemas.

Last week National Association Of Theatre Owners vice-president Patrick Corcoran suggested the studio might not recoup its investment in the film.

Netflix revealed in Tuesday’s earnings call it will begin carrying The Interiew in North America on Saturday (January 24).