The Interview was described as "desperately unfunny" in a series of emails sent by Sony executives.

In a leaked email allegedly sent by Sony Pictures UK Managing Director, Peter Taylor, the banned comedy was described as "another misfire" from Seth Rogen and James Franco.

Sony hack: A full timeline of events leading up to The Interview axe

According to Reuters, Taylor wrote: "The unanimous point of view here is that this (is) another misfire from the pairing."

He later labelled the film "desperately unfunny and repetitive", and hit out at Franco's performance in particular.

"James Franco proves once again that irritation is his strong suit, which is a shame because the character could have been appealing and funny out of his hands," he wrote.

Taylor and other executives agreed that while the first half of the film showed promise, it was spoilt by "realistic violence that would be shocking in...