Did Rupert Murdoch and the Scientologists Leak Wolverine?
By Krystal Clark
I’m all for a good conspiracy theory, so when I came across this story I had to give it a little TLC. The majority of us know about the big internet release of X-Men Origins: Wolverine back in April that occurred a full month before it’s theatrical debut. The copy was an unfinished edit, missing various key special effects and footage. In spite of the scandal the film still managed to debut strong, and has made a decent amount of money. To this day we have never found out who was really behind the incident. Some speculate that it came from inside 20th Century Fox, while others are suggesting that Scientology may have played a role.
Over at /Film, they brought up the case of fired Fox columnist Roger Friedman. If you remember, he was the bright individual who wrote a review of the bootlegged version of Wolverine for one of Fox’s official websites. According to Friedman’s lawyer, the film leak can be traced back to News Corps. head honcho, Rupert Murdoch. He continued to state that Murdoch requested a copy of the film and “apparently, someone made another copy for themselves.” Hence, the release of an unwarranted, illegal copy to the masses.
That’s one theory which I find highly unlikely, but there’s another equally outlandish idea that can top that. Friedman thinks the Wolverine fiasco was just a cover for the Scientologists to get him axed. Supposedly everyone in the celebrity circle hates the guy because of some derogatory statements he made about the religion. He even suggests that Tom Cruise would only sign on to the upcoming Fox film Wichita, if he was fired.
This is seriously one of the best cases of Hollywood scare tactics I’ve ever read. I’ll admit Scientology isn’t my cup of tea, but are their ties really that deep? He makes it sound like a mafia of sorts. I feel like this was taken from a 1970′s suspense thriller, and Gene Hackman should somehow be involved. Both of his theories seem a bit far fetched but entertaining. Lets stay tuned and see where this goes.
Do you think there’s any truth the Rupert Murdoch, Scientology conspiracy?
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 4:06AM
$cientology's littany of prosecuted crimes and documented abuses is horrifying. This for-profit/sect is so much worse than just a "kooky celebrity alien religion." Google "Operation Snow White" and learn how this totalitarian cult flexes it's muscle to ensure nothing cuts into their bottom line. Everyone is entitled to their belief system – but no "religous" group is above the rule of law. Investigating overwhelming allegations of abuse and criminal misconduct does not equate to religous bigotry – contrary to what this group will wail and moan as it's profit margins slowly decline compliments of an empowered media and courageous journalists like Roger Friedman
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 4:13AM
Scientologists don't play around man. They had to stop them from editing wikipedia…….
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 9:18PM
WHAT! Are you kidding me? I am not a follower of Scientology but Roger Friedman is a total jerk. He needs to work for TMZ or Perez Hilton. Most of his news is down right bias and gossip. Take it from ABC – http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/Movies/story?… 2KCW9OPSKw0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KCW9OPSKw0 youtube]
Wednesday, June 17, 2009 11:51AM
If Friedman was anti-Scientology, some pressure might have been put on Murdoch to get rid of him. Still, all the pressure in the world wouldn't have done it if Friedman had committed no crime.
To imply that he was set up by Murdoch so that he could be fired is extreem and unlikely to be able to be proven. I would suspect Friedman knew the risk when he aired his "scoop."
Monday, June 22, 2009 2:10PM
What I find to be bizarre is that this journalist has no idea about the Church of Scientology's "fair game" practices. This is absolutely par for the course, and it gets much, much worse. Google "operation freakout" regarding how they attempted to drive a journalist mad and set her up to be convicted of felonies.
In fact, even today we have leared that the COS executives act like the movie Goodfellows and beat the crap out of each other– see the St. Petersburg Times cover story for Sunday, June 21. Again, I can't get over how all these info is out there, yet some "brave" journalists still play this coy game of "see no evil." insane.
Monday, June 29, 2009 6:54AM
I worked for Scientology's International Headquarters for over 15 years. They are capable and have done far more than this on many occasions. I would not put it past them at all. There are no coincidences when speaking of critics of Scientology and the accidents that routinely happen to them. If covering up deaths, destroying evidence and carrying out the single most elaborate infiltration into the US government in history are not to much for them, why would leaking a film getting some reporter fired?
Blownforgood