From EW: “Last night, a stolen, incomplete and early version of X-Men Origins: Wolverine was posted illegally on websites. 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. 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.”
Alright, FOX, we’ll play your game. You had it removed, eh? So the fact that a copy of the workprint can be procured by a two minute Google search as of tonight is just an illusion. The “forensic marking” of the film surely means you’ll prosecute the 4,000 downloads one torrent site is reporting? And what hurts the film more- the leak of a pirated, unfinished workprint (which runs at 105 minutes- the theatrical cut of the film is at 120 minutes)- or the fact that the workprint itself, as an, ahem, anonymous source claim, is an unwatchable, unsalvagable, unmitigated disaster sure to end the franchise and the career of its leading man? Meditate on that, pardner.