The Tribune

BY ANNELIA NIXON

TRIBUNE Business Reporter

anixon@tribunemedia.net

FUSION Superplex has challenged film distributors over whether its failure to secure a licence to screen Spider-Man: Brand New Day is linked to the cyber and ransomware attack that forced several key operating systems off-line earlier this year.

The x entertainment complex, in a statement issued to Tribune Business, said it has yet to obtain an explanation and answer to this from Sony Pictures, the film’s distributor. It added that Sony has thus far declined to licence the movie to Fusion Superplex, and given no reason for doing so, despite the latter’s account being in good standing and carrying no outstanding balance.

“Sony Pictures is the distributor for Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” the company said. “As is standard in the industry, films are licensed to exhibitors, including Fusion Superplex, on a title-by-title basis.

“Our international film booker made every effort to secure this film for Friday’s release. For reasons Sony has not communicated to us, the studio has elected not to licence the film to Fusion at this time, despite our account being in good standing with a zero outstanding balance.”

Fusion Superplex said it has sought clarification from Sony on whether the decision is in any way connected to the cyber attack and ransomware incident it suffered earlier this year, which disrupted several of its core systems, including the IMAX theatre, online ticketing systems and internal operations.

“We did inquire whether this decision was in any way related to the recent cyber attack and ransomware incident, and we are still awaiting a response from the studio,” it added.

“As it stands, the film is currently available only at a single boutique cinema, making it inaccessible to the vast majority of Bahamians who would ordinarily enjoy it at our nine-screen entertainment complex.”

Despite the setback, Fusion said it remains optimistic the film will be made available to it for screening to its customers. “Nonetheless, we remain patient and hopeful that the film will be made available to us for release on August 7, 2026,” it added.

The company apologised to customers disappointed by the delay, and encouraged patrons to continue supporting its current film line-up, which includes The Odyssey, distributed by Universal Pictures, as well as Disney releases, Toy Story 5 and Moana.

Last week, Fusion first notified customers via social media that Spider-Man: Brand New Day would not be available for its scheduled release because of what it described as a “distribution delay”.

“Due to a distribution delay, Spider-Man: Brand New Day isn’t swinging into Fusion just yet. We know many of you have been looking forward to it, and we truly appreciate your patience while we work to bring it to our screens,” the company posted.

Fusion Superplex also moved to counter misinformation circulating online after a fake promotional graphic falsely claimed the film would be screened in IMAX.

“We have been made aware of a fake graphic currently circulating online containing false information about the showing of Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” the company said.

“Please disregard it. For accurate and verified updates, rely only on information shared through Fusion Superplex’s official Facebook and Instagram pages.”

The licensing issue comes just months after Fusion disclosed that it had been targeted in a sophisticated cyber attack carried out by the Russian-linked Qilin ransomware group. 

At the time, Fusion said its online ticketing platform had been taken offline as a precaution to protect customer data while recovery efforts were completed, although the cinema remained open and continued operating through in-person ticket sales.