'Iron Man 2' gets pirated onto torrent sites

(Paramount Pictures France)

In anticipation of June's World Cup grabbing the world's attention, Iron Man 2 was released in many countries internationally in an attempt to get a jump at the overseas' cinemas during May. The film was the No. 1 movie in 52 countries last weekend.

One problem that's resulted is that camcorded versions of Iron Man 2 are being traded on the Pirate Bay and other torrent sites, prior to the release in North America this weekend.

Unlike past piracy, the film studio seems to think it won't affect the box office. Piracy may not change theatrical releases, but it is more of a threat to home video sales.

So far, based on advance ticket sales, the superhero sequel is expected to open with $150 million, similar to figures for The Dark Knight and Spider-Man 3. It took Twilight's New Moon, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Transformers four days to reach that mark.

RC