SAN FRANCISCO---Digital files possibly connected with a yet unnamed STAR WARS project were illegally accessed and stolen from a private server according to multiple sources inside Disney and Bad Robot Productions. A “significant digital theft” occurred on May 23, 2020 relating to an unspecified film project. No details have been given as to what was taken or who is responsible.
The project in question hasn’t been officially identified, though DEADLINE has suggested it is related to a new STAR WARS film. J.J. Abram wrote, directed and produced the seventh and ninth installments of the space saga. The server in question is located at the office's of Abram's Bad Robot Productions in Los Angeles.
There is likely not a complete digital version of the film available to be stolen. However hackers may have been able to access footage, scripts, photos or other files related to the production. Given the high-level of public interest in the blockbuster film series, anything related to the film could be very valuable, especially months ahead of the film’s official announcement.
Bad Robot declined to comment on the breach, while Disney released the following statement:
“We are fully cooperating with law enforcement and security agencies to determine the extent of this theft, the perpetrators behind it, and the methods that were used. Disney’s businesses throughout the world are affected by its ability to protect against infringement of its intellectual property, including digital assets in any form. These developments require us to devote substantial resources to protecting our intellectual property against unlicensed use and present the risk of increased losses of revenue as a result of unlicensed distribution of our content.”
Because the theft is connected to an unspecified project, fans are scouring the internet for clues as to any possible leaks. As of now there has been no public claim of responsibility nor ransom demand from the hackers.
POSSIBLY RELATED TO UPCOMING STAR WARS FILM
DISNEY INVESTIGATING DIGITAL THEFT