20th Century Fox Cancels 2016 Comic-Con Participation; No 'Assassin's Creed' Panel, 'Wolverine 3' Trailer Due To Piracy Concerns

By Staff Writer | Apr 29, 2016 12:44 AM EDT

20th Century Fox is expected to join this year's July San Diego Comic-Con, but due to piracy and security concerns, they will be skipping the Hall H presentation. This means supposed discussions and sneak peek about upcoming flicks such as 'Assassin's Creed' and 'Wolverine 3' will be cancelled as well.

Following the major leak of several films in the previous Comic-Con last year,  IGN reports that 20th Century Fox is concerned that the footage of the upcoming "Assassin's Creed" meant to be screened in Hall H will be available to other fans who won't attend the San Diego Comic-Con.  The movie company reportedly feels they cannot prevent the piracy of custom trailer and exclusive footage which are "routinely screened for fans in attendance." An individual familiar with the matter reportedly told a publication about the decision.

The Verge also reported that the decision comes after the incident last year when Warner Bros. debuted a Comic-Con trailer for "Suicide Squad." 20th Century Fox did the same thing for "Deadpool" and for both movies, unauthorized video of the footage surfaced online soon after the Hall H screening. The "Suicide Squad" leak was so massive that director David Ayer had to release the official teaser trailer two days later on YouTube.

Although the San Diego Comic-Con is for promotional purposes, the leaking of the unauthorized videos online interferes with the movies' promotional campaign schedule. Aside from "Assassin's Creed," 20th Century Fox also has other big movies set for release such as "Alien: Convenant" and a "Wolverine" sequel. There will also be no footage for "Maze Runner: The Death Cure" nor any announcement of "Deadpool 2"and "Gambit," Collider reported.

A Comic-Con spokesperson also released a statement after the supposed cancellation of Fox. The statement says that they are working with their friends at the different studios and networks in hopes of finding a remedy that will be beneficial to all parties involved.

20th Century Fox is yet to make an announcement for this matter.

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