Netflix sued for $105 million after master copy of Nicolas Cage’s WWII film ‘Fortitude’ is allegedly stolen

Published 31 July 2026 · entertainment

Film producer and screenwriter Simon Afram filed the lawsuit on Wednesday, alleging that Netflix failed to safeguard the digital cinema package, or DCP, after it

Film producer and screenwriter Simon Afram filed the lawsuit on Wednesday, alleging that Netflix failed to safeguard the digital cinema package, or DCP, after it was delivered to the streaming company for consideration. Netflix loses Nicolas Cage's Fortitude, gets sued for $105 million According to the complaint, Afram spent seven years developing Fortitude and invested approximately $45 million in the project. the film was sent to Netflix so that the company could assess whether to acquire its distribution rights. As associate producer reportedly delivered the DCP to Netflix's Hollywood office in June. The complaint alleges that the producer later made repeated attempts to arrange the collection of the film but received no response from the company. Also Read | US stocks to buy for short term: Appreciate CEO suggests picking these 5 shares More than a week later, Netflix informed the production team by email that the film had been stolen, according to the lawsuit.

The complaint alleges that the unencrypted master ocopy was among several hard drives taken from the office. The lawsuit argues that the loss has jeopardised the film's exclusivity and diminished its commercial value by creating the possibility that the unreleased production could be copied, distributed, or leaked online. Netflix has disputed responsibility, maintaining that the film was delivered without the security measure normally used to protect unreleased content. Sources familiar with the company's procedures said films are generally shared through password-protected links or encrypted DCPs that require a Key Delivery Message to be accessed. In a statement, Netflix said it was not responsible for the failure to use such safeguards. The company added that it has taken steps to investigate the theft and support the filmmakers, including monitoring known piracy platforms for any unauthorised distribution.

Afram's lawsuit, however, argues that his team followed instructions provided by Netflix. The complaint cites guidance from the company stating, “If the DCP is encrypted, please have the keys open from the time the asset lands through EOD on 6/16.” According to the filing, the associate producer informed Netflix that the DCP was unencrypted and requested that the film be deleted after the screening. Afram's legal action argues that Netflix nevertheless had a duty to keep the material secure and should not have left the drive in an unsecured office area. Also Read | Netflix revives free trials as Disney+ explores free content Netflix said it was working to address the situation but has reportedly declined to provide detailed information about its internal investigation.