Alison Brie and Dave Franco sued over $17 million film 'Together' for allegedly copying indie movie 'Better Half'
Actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco are facing a copyright infringement lawsuit over their upcoming film Together, which premiered at Sundance and was acquired by Neon for a reported $17 million. The lawsuit, filed Tuesday, accuses Brie, Franco, and others of copying the 2023 indie film Better Half, citing shared plot points and thematic similarities.
According to Variety, Better Half was written and directed by Patrick Henry Phelan and produced by StudioFest, the sole plaintiff. The film is a surreal romantic comedy about a couple who wake up physically fused after a one-night stand. In August 2020, a pitch for the project was sent to Franco and Brie's agents at WME, but was declined.
The complaint alleges that Together not only replicates the central concept but also specific scenes, including one where the couple is joined at the genitals while trying to hide it from another character. Both films also reportedly end with the couple pulling out a vinyl copy of the Spice Girls' Spiceworld album as they accept their fate.
Named defendants include Brie, Franco, WME, Neon, and writer-director Michael Shanks. StudioFest alleges the couple turned down the pitch in order to develop a similar project independently with a WME-affiliated writer.
A WME spokesperson called the lawsuit 'frivolous and without merit,' adding that they plan to 'vigorously defend' against the claims. Together is scheduled for release on August 1.
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Alison Brie and Dave Franco sued over $17 million film 'Together' for allegedly copying indie movie 'Better Half'
Actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco are facing a copyright infringement lawsuit over their upcoming film Together, which premiered at Sundance and was acquired by Neon for a reported $17 million. The lawsuit, filed Tuesday, accuses Brie, Franco, and others of copying the 2023 indie film Better Half, citing shared plot points and thematic similarities. According to Variety, Better Half was written and directed by Patrick Henry Phelan and produced by StudioFest, the sole plaintiff. The film is a surreal romantic comedy about a couple who wake up physically fused after a one-night stand. In August 2020, a pitch for the project was sent to Franco and Brie's agents at WME, but was declined. The complaint alleges that Together not only replicates the central concept but also specific scenes, including one where the couple is joined at the genitals while trying to hide it from another character. Both films also reportedly end with the couple pulling out a vinyl copy of the Spice Girls' Spiceworld album as they accept their fate. Named defendants include Brie, Franco, WME, Neon, and writer-director Michael Shanks. StudioFest alleges the couple turned down the pitch in order to develop a similar project independently with a WME-affiliated writer. A WME spokesperson called the lawsuit 'frivolous and without merit,' adding that they plan to 'vigorously defend' against the claims. Together is scheduled for release on August 1.
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