Following the online leak of 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine' unfinished copy, the 20th Century Fox are quick to take action and issue a statement vowing to prosecute the leaker.
- April 2, 2009
AceShowbiz -
Coinciding with the April Fool's Day, reports came out that a workprint version of "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" has been leaked and available for download on several bittorrent sites since Tuesday, March 31. Apparently, the story is true since the 20th Century Fox are quick to issue a statement on the matter.
"Last night, a stolen, incomplete and early version of X-Men Origins: Wolverine was posted illegally on websites," so the studio begin their statement. "It was without many effects and had missing scenes and temporary sound and music. We immediately contacted the appropriate legal authorities and had it removed. We forensically mark our content so we can identify sources that make it available or download it."
"The source of the initial leak and any subsequent postings will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law - the courts have handed down significant criminal sentences for such acts," Fox further promise not to take this issue lightly. "The FBI and MPAA are also actively investigating the crime. We are encouraged by the support of fansites condemning piracy and this illegal posting and pointing out that such theft undermines the enormous efforts of the filmmakers and actors and, above all, hurts fans of the film."
On Wednesday, April 1, BBC News reported that a month before "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" hits theaters, an almost finished copy of the action fantasy film has been leaked out. The bootleg copy, which was claimed to be a DVD-quality version of the film, has been downloaded more than 75,000 times ever since. Though it is a high quality copy, it is described to be incomplete as some special effects shots are unfinished, and green screens and wires attached to actors are still visible.
Chronicling the events leading to "X-Men", "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" follows the story of Wolverine which centers on his epically violent and romantic past, his complex relationship with Victor Creed, and the ominous Weapon X program. Starring Hugh Jackman as the titular character, the film also features Liev Schreiber, Taylor Kitsch and Ryan Reynolds among others. The 20th Century Fox action fantasy film will open in U.S. theaters on May 1.
