The highly anticipated Marvel Comics film “X-Men Origins: Wolverine,” was leaked online a month before its release date, according to CNN. FBI and the Motion Picture Association of America are investigating the crime and promise to prosecute those responsible.
“X-Men Origins: Wolverine”, described as the first chapter in the X-Men saga, was currently set to be released on May 1.
But on April 1, reports came in that the full-length, DVD quality of the movie was leaked on the Internet.
The previous X-Men movie grossed more than $300 million.
Now, an estimate of more than a million people wanting to see a potential blockbuster early have downloaded it online.
Fox issued a news statement that a stolen, incomplete and early version of “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” was posted illegally on Web sites.
Fox said the leaked movie was without many effects and had missing scenes with temporary sound and music.
“In the leaked movie you can see strings attached to Wolverine while he is performing special stunts,” said Antonio Hill, 22, a Tallahassee Community College film student from Miami. “Also some special effects are in black and grey and you can tell it was unedited.”
Fox News stated that the source of the initial leak and any subsequent postings will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Hugh Jackman, an Australian actor who plays Wolverine, told MSNBC that he was heartbroken to know his movie was leaked a month before its official release date.
He told MSNBC that obviously people are seeing an unfinished film.
“It’s like a Ferrari without a paint job,” Jackman was quoted.
Most online viewers wrote a review of this unfinished movie but one review cost a professional journalist his job.
Roger Friedman, Fox News entertainment reporter, sought out the unfinished film and wrote a review.
Fox News issued a statement that Fox News representatives and Friedman met and mutually agreed to part ways immediately.
Fox news stated that they appreciate “Mr. Friedman’s” 10 years of contributions to building Foxnews.com, and wishes him success in his future endeavors.
“Journalists should have some kind of integrity,” said Brandon Howard, 23, a senior engineering student from Jacksonville. “This was a foolish mistake that ruined Friedman’s career as a professional Journalist.”
But not everyone has the desire to watch the leaked film. Some students would rather watch the film after it is officially released in theaters and review it for themselves.
“I plan on watching the final production of the movie in theaters when it’s released so I can judge it for myself,” said Cornelius Gordon, 24, a senior criminal justice student from Quincy.
However, regardless of the current situation, Jackman is currently on tour to promote his summer movie anyway.