Story perspectives

Filmmakers Sue Netflix for $105 M Over Stolen DCP

7/31/2026

Summary

Simon Afram Sues

Simon Afram and Op-Fortitude sued Netflix for $105 million after “Fortitude” starring Nicolas Cage was stolen from Netflix’s office.
Netflix confirmed on June 25, 2026 that drives, including the “Fortitude” DCP from June 15, 2026, were stolen from its desks.
Netflix denies liability and says it does not own rights.
Netflix called the $165 million demand an “attempt to extort money,” while the complaint says theft endangers sales, an awards campaign for $45 million film.

Summary

Netflix Encryption Dispute

Netflix says loss risk lies with producers because the master copy lacked industry-standard encryption.
The complaint alleges Netflix did not confirm reporting the theft to the Los Angeles Police Department nor assist filmmakers in filing a police report.
Kenya Film Classification Board and IP lawyers warn creators about unencrypted drives, while legal analysts say a ruling could force military-grade encryption for all screeners, raising costs for independents.

History

Historical Context

In 2014, Sony Pictures Entertainment—still a third-largest U.S. studio with a 12.5% box-office share in 2011—was hit by the Guardians of Peace hack that stole more than 100 TB of data and spurred a $15 million security overhaul and calls for mandatory military-grade encryption. That precedent now underpins Netflix’s $105 million lawsuit over a missing, unencrypted Fortitude master drive.

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Simon Afram Sues

Simon Afram and Op-Fortitude sued Netflix for $105 million after “Fortitude” starring Nicolas Cage was stolen from Netflix’s office.
Netflix confirmed on June 25, 2026 that drives, including the “Fortitude” DCP from June 15, 2026, were stolen from its desks.
Netflix denies liability and says it does not own rights.
Netflix called the $165 million demand an “attempt to extort money,” while the complaint says theft endangers sales, an awards campaign for $45 million film.

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