‘Doctor Who’ fans are breathless with anticipation, awaiting the first trailers or clips from the upcoming eleventh season. Excitement is extra high this time around because for the first time in the show’s 54-year history, said Doctor will be a woman, Jodie Whittaker. But fans want to abide by the BBC’s plans to unveil what they choose to at their discretion. (Whittaker will be present for a panel at San Diego Comic-Con, so chances are high that there will be some new footage shown.) But when a pirate released a minute-long clip featuring the first scenes of Whittaker’s thirteenth Doctor on American messaging app Tapatalk, which then found its way to Twitter, fans revolted, attacking the poster for spoiling the new season. The BBC quickly had the post deleted but they aren’t stopping there. They want to know who leaked the footage and they’re going after them!
The British Broadcasting Company “requested a clerk at the California federal court issue a subpoena to Tapatalk, a mobile community platform.” The BBC is demanding that records be turned over which could help identify the responsible persons. They have also enlisted the aid of law firm Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton, which has made a name for itself over the past few years for going after pirates of major events like these.
A spokesperson from the BBC stated:
“BBC Studios takes the theft and illegal distribution of our content extremely seriously.
“We will strive to protect our programme-makers, audiences and licence fee payers from any breaches of security – ensuring Doctor Who fans enjoy the final and fully completed version of the episode when it premieres.”
As for legal means of releasing footage, it’s highly likely that some will be on display at SDCC. In addition, Great Britain is currently swept up in World Cup fever and there is heavy buzz that a new trailer could be unveiled during one of England’s matches.
The new season arrives this fall.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
