A rough edit of the next movie, which is still in post-production, was the subject of speculation on Reddit and in various Star Wars fan forums.
It was suggested that someone had obtained the full version of the movie and had given Disney multiple deadlines with which to meet a ransom demand.
A user of a forum on Star Wars News Net claimed the leakers had sold the edit to someone for bitcoins [digital currency], with plans to release it publicly weeks before the movie is due to be released in cinemas.
However, the whole rumour seems now to have been debunked.
Although for many fans the entire speculation is based off hearsay across Reddit and forums, one grab now reads: “I’ve consulted with a huge Star Wars fan and they’ve confirmed the ‘proof’ to be fake. All from the Force Awakens [previous movie].”
Express.co.uk has reached out to publicists from Disney for comment on the whole debacle.
If the film were to emerge online prior to release, it would be nothing short of a disaster for the company.
So much of the build-up campaign is under tight control that various elements of the movie aren’t even confirmed just yet – including the names of characters played by Benicio Del Toro and Laura Dern.
In fact, a brief teaser trailer – released in April – is almost all fans have to treat as concrete and official at this point, aside from the odd throwaway tease from the likes of Daisy Ridley and Kelly Marie Tran.
The Last Jedi is the penultimate chapter of the current trilogy, with Episode IX to follow in May 2019.
Star Wars Episode VIII is out on December 15.
Daily Express :: Entertainment Feed
