An early version of upcoming James Bond film 'Spectre' has been stolen in the hacker attack on Sony Pictures.

'Bond' producers, Eon Productions confirmed the news in a statement, reported Deadline.

"Eon Productions, the producers of the James Bond films, learnt this morning that an early version of the screenplay for the new Bond film 'Spectre' is amongst the material stolen and illegally made public by hackers who infiltrated the Sony Pictures Entertainment computer system.

"Eon Productions is concerned that third parties who have received the stolen screenplay may seek to publish it or its contents," the statement read.

The producers added that the film's screenplay was the confidential information of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and Danjaq, LLC, and is protected by the laws of copyright in the United Kingdom and around the world.

"It may not (in whole or in part) be published, reproduced, disseminated or otherwise utilised by anyone who obtains a copy of it. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and Danjaq LLC will take all necessary steps to protect their rights against the persons who stole the screenplay, and against anyone who makes infringing uses of it or attempts to take commercial advantage of confidential property it knows to be stolen," the statement said.

Officials at MGM, Danjaq and Sony were unavailable for comment.

Director Sam Mendes recently unveiled the cast and the title of the 24th Bond film, which marks the return of Daniel Craig as 007 for the fourth time.

The film is set for release on November 6, next year. Mendes began filming the movie this month.

(Outlook)