Several websites are in trouble with Lionsgate for screening Expendables 3 before its release. The action sequel to Expendables 2 is due in theatres on August 15. The screener copies first appeared on these sites on July 23. Excipio, a firm that tracks piracy, estimates that the film has more than 2 million downloads. Industry executives became suspicious and took action. Lionsgate filed a lawsuit against them and other unnamed parties for allegedly pirating the copy.

Expendables 3, the third film in an action trilogy, has a strong ensemble cast with many big names, including Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Wesley Snipes. Stallone plays Barney, who, with his team of Expendables (highly skilled mercenaries), take on a tough arms dealer. It has action, adventure, and some comedy for an entertaining ride. The trailer was recently released.

According to Lionsgate, several letters were sent to the online leakers demanding the film be removed, none of whom have responded. Online piracy is a contentious issue for the entertainment industry, with many who believe it costs productions serious money. Others disagree. Some who work in television believe pirating shows leads to more viewers, and many in film don’t think illegal downloads affect Hollywood sales that much. It is uncertain how downloads will impact the box office, and executives are concerned about lost revenue.

The previous Expendables films did well in theatres, and the third one is expected to do the same, especially overseas. Some believe this controversy could generate more people to see the movie. They are not known for being well-received by critics, but are commercially successful. Executives will just have to wait and see if the scandal has any effect on audiences. The lawsuit states that the origin is a stolen digital file, but no identities have been released.