Netflix's major anime leak spoils party for millions of binge-watchers
What's the story
Netflix has been hit by a significant leak of its upcoming 2024 anime content. The breach has also affected other platforms like Crunchyroll and GKIDS. As reported by Anime News Network, several highly anticipated shows and movies such as Terminator Zero, Dandadan, Ranma 1/2*, and Mononoke the Movie: Phantom in the Rain have been prematurely released online.
Leak details
Leaked content surfaces on social media, torrent sites
The leak was first noticed when low-resolution clips of the anime shows, marked with visible watermarks and timestamps, began appearing online. Several full episodes of Terminator Zero, Ranma 1/2*, and Dandadan were among the most severely affected by this breach. The leaked content has spread beyond social media platforms like X and 4Chan, to torrent services like BitTorrent as well.
Community response
Anime community reacts to 'biggest leaking disaster'
The anime community has been vocal about the impact of this leak. Chibi Reviews described it as potentially "the biggest leaking disaster in anime history," stating they've "never seen anything like this." Internet personality Nicholas Light echoed these sentiments on X, highlighting the significance of the leaked content by noting that these aren't just random anime but some of the most anticipated releases of the year.
Release disruption
Leak disrupts release schedules, impacts other platforms
The leak has disrupted the release schedules of several projects. For instance, Terminator Zero was set for an official Netflix premiere on August 29, 2024, while DanDaDan, whose Japanese premiere is scheduled for October 5, was due to be simulcast by Netflix and Crunchyroll. The first episode of Re: ZERO - Starting Life in Another World season 3 also surfaced online, with the "Japan Expo 2024" watermarks suggesting it was obtained at Japan Expo 2024 in July.