One year after William Collier filed a complaint against Netflix and Adam Mckay alleging the film Don't Look Up is based on his 2012 novel, another similar case has come to light. This time an established author, Darren Hunter sued Netflix on Thursday for copyright infringement over Adam Mckay's 2021 film, Don't Look Up. The film's plot revolves around two astronomers (played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence) to warn mankind about the comet approaching planet Earth with the potential to destroy it.
Darren Hunter claims that the film has stolen the plot, character, and thematic elements from his novel "The Million Day Forecast", which he self-published in 2015.
How much is Netflix being sued for?
In this case, attorney Larry Klayman is looking for more than $ 3 billion in compensation. Darren in a statement commented on director Adam Mckay and pointed out the "deceit and greed" that has become a testament to the current situation of Hollywood.
What were the similarities between the Netflix film and the novel?
The lawsuit was filed on Thursday in a court in Orlando. The complaint runs through a litany that alleged similarities between "Million Day Forecast" and the Netflix film Don't Look Up.
The novel and the film, both feature young determined female protagonists who are responsible for making the world aware of the comet approaching them.
“The themes of apocalyptic political satire, dark comedy, and the challenges of mobilizing collective action in the face of imminent danger are central to both works,” the lawsuit states. “These undeniable similarities indicate that the movie has taken key literary elements from the book without Plaintiff’s consent and authorization.”
The lawsuit further alleges 34 causes of action against Netflix including copyright infringement, false advertising, and violation of Florida unfair trade practices.
What was Netflix's response?
As reported by Variety, Netflix did not give an immediate response to these allegations.
The suit alleges that Hunter distributed his book to various individual entities, some also connected to Hollywood, though the suit does not identify them.
A year ago William Collier claimed that the film draws various similarities with his novel, "Stanley's Comet". The lawsuit includes a supporting statement from USC comparative literature professor David Roman.
“McKay’s film is also full of satire and humor and — like Stanley’s Comet — moves toward the absurd. In each case, the irony drives the humor and the social critique and does so in the same style and method.” Roman said.
In William Collier's case, however, the suit was dismissed by the federal judge last month finding the similarities way too generic to demand any copyright protection.
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The Florida Bar is currently looking to suspend Klayman's license to practice for 2 years as a result of misconduct findings that resulted in his suspension in Washington DC. Klayman is now appealing that case to the Florida Supreme Court.
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