Chief executive of Sony Pictures, Michael Lynton says that the company has “not caved” to hackers' threats, and that the company is looking at alternative ways of releasing the controversial comedy.

Speaking to CNN Mr Lynton said: “We would still like the public to see this movie, absolutely.”

He added: “There are a number of options open to us. And we have considered those, and are considering them.” He indicated that YouTube was one platform that is being explored.

The film was due to be shown in theatres across the US on Christmas day, but that release was pulled after cinema chains refused to carry the film. The hackers who broke into Sony's computer systems threatened attacks on theatres if they showed the film.

Mr Lynton expressed his belief that US president Barack Obama, the media, and the public, had been misled about how the release was cancelled - saying that it was the cinemas, rather than Sony Pictures who forced the decision.

He also said: “There has not been one major video on-demand distributor, one major e-commerce site that has stepped forward and said it is willing to distribute this movie for us.”

BitTorrent has since said that it would be happy to distribute the film, adding: "BitTorrent Bundle is in fact the very best way for Sony to take back control of their film, not acquiesce to terrorists threats, and to ensure a wide audience can view the film safely. It would also strike a strong note for free speech."

Sony could charge a download fee, and release the film using BitTorrents technology. Radiohead front-man Thom Yorke recently used BitTorrnet to distribute his second solo album. 

New York Post reported yesterday that the film would be exclusively released through Crackle, a Sony streaming service. Sony Pictures has commented on this report - saying that it is inaccurate, and that the company is still surveying its options.