Netflix is facing the biggest data breach in history after a major data leak left countless unreleased series and movies appearing online.
As reported by What’s on Netflix? And IGNThe streaming giant has been working hard over the past two days (August 7 and 8) to respond to the massive security breach that has seen a number of anticipated projects leak online. Among the affected productions are critically acclaimed shows like Arcane And Heart Conquerorwhile there are unsubstantiated reports that Stranger Things has also been affected.
It’s unknown how many new Netflix movies and series were affected by the leak, but Netflix is busy tracking down the sources hosting the leaked material and removing it from the internet.
What did Netflix say about the massive data breach?
In a statement issued to The WrapNetflix revealed that the breach was the result of one of its post-production partners being targeted. The world’s top streaming service also made no bones about how “aggressively” it would pursue those responsible for the digital attack.
“One of our post-production partners has been compromised and unfortunately, footage from several of our titles has leaked online,” a Netflix spokesperson told The Wrap last night (August 8). “Our team is taking aggressive action to have it removed.”
Which Netflix series and movies have leaked online?
The most notable projects that have definitely been affected are two of the best Netflix series in Arcane And Heart ConquerorThe next episodes in each series – Heart Conqueror season 3 and Arcane Season 2 – won’t be released on Netflix until October 3 and sometime in November, but some viewers have already gotten a good look at what the stories in each chapter will entail after the data breach.
Per IGN And What’s on Netflix? again full (though unfinished) episodes of Arcane And Heart Conqueror‘s upcoming seasons are circulating online. Episodes are supposedly watermarked with “For Internal Use” and “Property of Netflix” and do not come with finished visual and sound effects. Nevertheless, the fact that these assets have surfaced online will be a major blow to not only Netflix, but also to the cast and crew of each series who have worked so hard to bring us more top-notch television content.
This is our hard work. It’s meant to be released on its due date, which is something we animators really look forward to. It’s incredibly disrespectful and just plain annoying. You think you’re doing the community a favor, but you’re not. https://t.co/UX0lCrZbuZAugust 7, 2024
However, the aforementioned two are not the only projects to have leaked in the past 48 hours. Enchanteda new animated film set to hit Netflix in late November has reportedly been posted to various message boards, forums, and social media platforms. The first trailer only dropped last week, ahead of the family-friendly film’s late 2024 release.
In reality, Heart Conqueror season 3 (and possibly Stranger Things Aside from Season 5, it’s Netflix’s animation division, not its live-action division, that’s been hit the hardest. SpongeBob SquarePants spin-off Plankton: The Moviehas also been leaked, just like many animated series, such as Terminator Zero, Ranma 1/2, Then Da Dan, Fairy Odd Parents: A New Wish, Re:Zero – Starting a life in another worldAnd Jentry Chau vs. the Underworld.
Opinion: A slap in the face for the talented creatives in the industry
Leaks of this nature, which are becoming more and more common (just look at House of the Dragon Season 2’s finale, which leaked online days before it aired, isn’t good for anyone. Of course, in light of Netflix raising its prices, removing its budget ad-free tier, and canceling a number of fan-favorite shows, there’s bound to be a vocal minority who can claim this data breach as karma for the streaming giant’s perceived disrespect for its consumers.
I’ve been critical of Netflix’s business decisions in the past, but anyone who enjoys the release of these unfinished shows and movies, and/or anyone who has watched the leaked footage, should be ashamed. It’s not just not While it is not the right way to consume this media, it is also a huge slap in the face to writers, directors, artists, actors, producers, musicians, sound designers, editors and everyone who has worked tirelessly on their art.
Working in the entertainment industry is stressful at the best of times, but I suspect many people who work in this industry find it worth it if their project is well received, wins awards, or even becomes the next must-see on Netflix or many of the streaming services, such as Disney Plus, Max, and Prime Video.
I can’t even begin to imagine how everyone involved with the aforementioned TV shows and movies must have felt over the past few days when their productions leaked online. Words probably mean nothing to them at this point – an irony, I’m sure, after writing this piece. The best thing you and I can do now is ignore the leaked footage and support each TV show and movie when the final products are out Actually released on Netflix. Stream them and, if you end up enjoying them (once they officially come out), let their thousands of creative teams know. I’m sure our words will mean even more to everyone involved after the heartbreak of seeing their projects leaked way ahead of schedule.