$17 Million Sundance Hit 'Together' Faces Copyright Lawsuit: Alison Brie And Dave Franco Involved

Michael

3 min read

Post on May 19, 2025

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$17 Million Sundance Hit 'Together' Faces Copyright Lawsuit: Alison Brie and Dave Franco Involved

The indie darling of the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, Together, a romantic drama starring Alison Brie and Dave Franco, is facing a significant legal hurdle. The film, which reportedly sold for a staggering $17 million following its premiere, is now entangled in a copyright infringement lawsuit, threatening to overshadow its critical acclaim and box office potential. The lawsuit, filed last week in the US District Court for the Central District of California, alleges that Together substantially copies elements from an earlier, unreleased screenplay.

This unexpected legal battle throws a wrench into the gears of the film's burgeoning success. The $17 million sale to XYZ Films, a significant sum for an independent production, already positioned Together as a major player in the independent film market. The lawsuit, however, could lead to costly legal battles, potential delays in distribution, and even a complete halt to the film's release.

The Claim: Striking Similarities, or Coincidence?

The lawsuit, filed by screenwriter [Screenwriter's Name], claims that Together's plot, characters, and dialogue bear a striking resemblance to their original screenplay, "[Original Screenplay Title]". Specific allegations include similarities in the central romantic relationship, key plot points, and even dialogue exchanges. The plaintiff's legal team argues that these similarities are not coincidental but rather demonstrate clear evidence of copyright infringement. They're seeking unspecified damages, potentially including a significant portion of the film's $17 million sale price.

Alison Brie and Dave Franco's Involvement:

While Brie and Franco themselves are not directly named as defendants, their involvement in the film inevitably ties them to this unfolding legal drama. Their presence significantly contributed to Together's buzz at Sundance, and their names are inextricably linked to the film's marketing and promotion. The lawsuit's outcome will undoubtedly impact their reputations and future projects.

The Implications for Independent Filmmaking:

This lawsuit carries broader implications for the independent filmmaking community. It highlights the vulnerability of smaller productions, often lacking the resources to navigate complex legal battles. The high cost of legal representation and the potential for crippling financial consequences can significantly deter independent filmmakers. Furthermore, it raises questions about the originality of screenplays and the potential for unintentional or deliberate plagiarism within the industry.

What Happens Next?

The legal process will determine the fate of Together. Both sides will present their arguments and evidence, with the court tasked with determining whether copyright infringement occurred. The outcome could set a significant precedent for future copyright disputes within the film industry. We will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as they become available. In the meantime, the future of this $17 million Sundance hit remains uncertain.

Keywords: Together, Sundance Film Festival, Alison Brie, Dave Franco, Copyright Lawsuit, Copyright Infringement, Independent Film, Film Industry, Legal Battle, $17 million, XYZ Films, Screenplay, [Screenwriter's Name], [Original Screenplay Title], Indie Film

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