Streaming service platforms Netflix and Crunchyroll have been struck by a major leak of their upcoming 2024 anime and other content.
According to reports, season 3 of live action drama Heartstopper, six episodes of anime Dan Da Dan (which was supposed to simulcast on Netflix and Crunhyroll in October), Terminator Zero – leaked in entirety (to premiere 29 August on Netflix), the recently released Spongebob spin-off Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie, Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World (to premiere in October on Crunchyroll) were prematurely leaked on platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter).
In addition to these, other Netflix titles to have been leaked prematurely include Skydance Animation’s Spellbound (22 November), five episodes of Riot Games’ Arcane S2 (November) and Titmouse’s Jentry Chau vs The Underworld. The leak also includes other titles not linked to Crunchyroll or Netflix – four episodes of Ranma ½ reboot and Mononoke the Movie: Phantom in the Rain.
The first episode of Re: ZERO – Starting Life in Another World S3 reportedly included the “Japan Expo 2024” watermark, suggesting it was obtained at Japan Expo 2024 that took place in July.
Apart from the two social platforms mentioned above, the leaks have spread across 4Chan, a well known image board forum website and torrent services like BitTorrent.
A Netflix spokesperson reported in a statement to TheWrap that one of their post-production partners had been compromised, leading to the unfortunate leak of footage. The spokesperson added that their team was aggressively working to have the leaked content taken down.
A few animation industry professionals have reacted to the leaks. Animator Kass Chapa who has previously worked with Mappa, Science Saru and Cygames stated, “This is our hard work. It is meant to be released on its due date, something we, as animators, really look forward to. It is incredibly disrespectful and just straight up annoying. You think you are doing some kind of service to the community but you are not. Studios will only doubt our veracity and honesty. Which they already do, btw. I hope they sue whoever did it.”
Voice actor Stephanie Sheh (Bleach,Sailor Moon) stated, “I know it’s tempting but please don’t watch the leaks. We all work so hard to bring you these shows as fast & good as possible. When there’s a leak all studios end up getting punished just in case it happens again. We’re often asked to jump through expensive & inconvenient hoops.”
