Intrigue as hackers steal script for new Bond film

Producers have confirmed that an “early version” of the screenplay for Spectre was among material taken in a cyber attack on the computers of Sony Pictures Entertainment.

A group calling themselves the Guardians of Peace targeted the film studio last month.

Suggestions followed that the attack was launched in retaliation to a forthcoming comedy about the assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, although the country denied being responsible.

The leak saw the social security numbers of 47,000 employees including Hollywood stars posted online.

Now it has emerged that details of the latest Bond movie have also been stolen.

A statement on the official 007 website said: “Eon Productions, the producers of the James Bond films, learned this morning that an early version of the screenplay for the new Bond film Spectre is amongst the material stolen and illegally made public by hackers who infiltrated the Sony Pictures Entertainment computer system.”

The statement said the firm is concerned that “third parties” who receive the stolen screenplay “may seek to publish it or its contents”.

Earlier this month director Sam Mendes said Bond fans can expect “a little more mischief” in 007’s next adventure as he unveiled a cast including Christoph Waltz and Sherlock star Andrew Scott for the forthcoming film.

French actress Lea Seydoux and Italian star Monica Bellucci will become Bond girls for the latest outing of the British agent, which will see Daniel Craig reprise his role as 007 for a fourth time.

It is due to be released next November.