New Disney Film May Be In The Hands Of WannaCry Hackers

The group of hackers behind the WannaCry ransomware could have scored a huge payday. According to a Hollywood Reporter report, Walt Disney Co (NYSE: DIS)'s CEO Bob Iger confirmed that hackers are claiming they stole an un-named, soon-to-be-released Disney studio film.

Pirated Pirates? Or Chasing Cars?

Iger, speaking to ABC's employees in New York City, said if Disney doesn't pay a ransom, the group of hackers will release the film. Iger didn't confirm the movie in question, but the studio has two potential blockbusters set to be released in the very near term. On Friday, the latest "Pirates of the Caribbean" installment will be released, and "Cars 3" will debut on June 16.

No Payment, No Negotiations

Iger also made it clear during his meeting in New York that he has zero intention of paying a ransom. As it stands, there isn't even any confirmation a movie has been stolen in the first place, so the whole saga could be a giant hoax.

But the hackers are pledging to release five minutes of the film at first, perhaps as confirmation they aren't bluffing. If Disney doesn't pay the ransom, then the hackers will release the film in 20-minute chunks until they are paid in whole.

Disney investors have valid reason to be worried, especially days ahead of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" debut. The four films in the franchise combined for more than $3 billion in revenue.

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