The highly anticipated “Beetlejuice 2” film, featuring stars Jenna Ortega and Winona Ryder, is set for a September release. However, a recent breach has allowed unauthorized access to early footage, as an ‘on set’ photo surfaced on Tumblr. In response, Warner Bros. has swiftly obtained a DMCA subpoena to unveil the identity of the user responsible.
In 1988, acclaimed director Tim Burton earned praise for the iconic comedy horror “Beetlejuice,” catapulting his career. With an Oscar win and subsequent successes like “Batman” and “Edward Scissorhands,” Burton’s influence persisted.
Over 35 years later, the sequel, “Beetlejuice 2,” reunites original cast members, Winona Ryder and Michael Keaton, alongside new talents such as Jenna Ortega. Scheduled for a September release, the film has already generated excitement with an official trailer and teaser.
Unwanted Leak
Despite the official releases, an anonymous source, under the name ‘polly-p9,’ leaked an alleged ‘on set’ photo on Tumblr last November. Warner Bros. swiftly reacted, filing a DMCA subpoena in a California federal court to compel Tumblr to disclose the account holder’s identity.
Legal Proceedings Unveiled
Warner Bros.’ subpoena, accompanied by a declaration from Michael Bentkover, Director of Worldwide Online Enforcement Operations, outlines the urgency to identify ‘@polly-p9.’ The undisclosed image claimed to be from the upcoming film, prompted the legal action.
Tumblr Compliance
Tumblr confirmed receipt of the subpoena and chose not to object. The platform, owned by Automattic, emphasizes its scrutiny of potential DMCA abuse, having rejected numerous takedown notices in the past. The affected user, if identified, would have been notified.
Leaked Image Persistence
While ‘@polly-p9’ no longer exists on Tumblr, copies of the leaked image persist on various platforms. Notably, Warner Bros. hasn’t taken action against these secondary leaks, suggesting the focus may be on the individual behind the initial breach.
Despite reaching out for comment on the subpoena’s motive, Warner Bros. has not responded at the time of writing. The motivation behind legal action remains unclear, leaving room for speculation about potential future leaks and the studio’s vigilance in protecting sensitive information.
Unanswered Questions
Despite ongoing speculation, several questions remain unanswered:
- Motive: Warner Bros’s silence raises questions about the specific concerns surrounding the leaked image and the subsequent legal pursuit. Is it solely about copyright protection, or does it hint at broader concerns?
- Selective Action: While the original account is no more, secondary leaks of the image endure without intervention from Warner Bros. Does this indicate a strategic focus on the initial leaker rather than the leaked content?
- Future Implications: The studio’s reluctance to comment on its motivations leaves room for speculation about potential future leaks and the measures Warner Bros. may take to safeguard upcoming projects.
For now, the leaked image continues to circulate online, raising questions about the effectiveness of legal measures in an interconnected digital landscape.
Disclaimer
This report is based on available information as of the last update and will be revised if Warner Bros. provides further insights into the situation.
Legal Documents
- A copy of the subpoena from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California is available here (pdf).
- The accompanying declaration from Warner Bros. Director of Worldwide Online Enforcement Operations can be found here (pdf).
