Sundance Film 'Together' In Legal Trouble: Alison Brie And Dave Franco Sued For $17 Million Over Copyright

Michael

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Post on May 20, 2025

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Sundance Film 'Together' in Legal Trouble: Alison Brie and Dave Franco Sued for $17 Million Over Copyright

The acclaimed Sundance Film Festival entry, "Together," starring and directed by Alison Brie and Dave Franco, finds itself embroiled in a significant legal battle. A $17 million copyright infringement lawsuit has been filed against the couple, alleging their film heavily borrows from an earlier, unregistered screenplay. This unexpected development casts a shadow over the film's critical success and its future prospects.

The lawsuit, filed in California Superior Court, claims that Brie and Franco's "Together" is substantially similar to a screenplay titled "S.O.S.," written by [Plaintiff's Name], a screenwriter whose identity is currently withheld pending further legal proceedings. The plaintiff alleges that key plot points, character arcs, dialogue, and even thematic elements are strikingly similar between the two works. According to the legal documents obtained by [Source, e.g., Deadline Hollywood], "S.O.S." was completed and circulated within the filmmaking community several years before the production of "Together."

<h3>What are the Specific Allegations?</h3>

The lawsuit details numerous instances of alleged similarities, focusing on:

• The central conflict: Both screenplays reportedly revolve around a couple navigating a relationship crisis during a period of self-isolation.
• Character development: Specific personality traits and behavioral patterns of the main characters are allegedly mirrored in both works.
• Dialogue: The plaintiff claims several key lines of dialogue are virtually identical, suggesting direct copying.
• Thematic elements: Both scripts reportedly explore similar themes of communication breakdown, societal pressures, and the complexities of modern relationships.

While the full details of the "S.O.S." screenplay remain undisclosed to the public, the lawsuit presents a compelling case, raising serious questions about the originality of "Together."

<h3>The Impact on "Together's" Future</h3>

The lawsuit throws a considerable wrench into the gears of "Together's" potential future. The film, which garnered significant praise at Sundance, was expected to attract distribution deals and potentially garner awards recognition. However, the looming legal battle could significantly impact its release plans and its overall commercial viability. The $17 million claim represents a substantial financial risk for Brie, Franco, and any associated production companies.

<h3>Copyright Law and Unregistered Works</h3>

This case highlights the complexities of copyright law, particularly regarding unregistered works. While registering a screenplay with the U.S. Copyright Office offers stronger legal protection, it's not strictly required to establish copyright. However, proving infringement for an unregistered work can be more challenging, requiring the plaintiff to demonstrate access to the original work and substantial similarity.

<h3>What Happens Next?</h3>

The legal proceedings are expected to be lengthy and complex, involving expert testimony from screenwriting professionals and extensive legal analysis. The outcome will depend on the court's assessment of the similarities between the two screenplays and the strength of the plaintiff's evidence. Brie and Franco's legal team will undoubtedly vigorously defend against the allegations. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of thorough due diligence and originality in the competitive world of filmmaking.

Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds. We will continue to provide coverage as further information becomes available. For more news on legal battles in the entertainment industry, check out our [link to related article].