‘Stranger Things’ creators sued for plagiarism, accused of stealing concept from short film
Image: Facebook/StrangerThingsTV
The creators of the hit Netflix show “Stranger Things” are being sued for plagiarism by a filmmaker who claims that the series’ concept was stolen from his short film.
Filmmaker Charlie Kessler has accused the Duffer Brothers, Matt and Ross, of stealing the idea from his film “Montauk” which debuted at the 2012 Hamptons International Film Festival, TMZ reported on Tuesday.
“Montauk” revolves around top secret experiments conducted by the government — much like the plot of “Stranger Things” where scientists deal with the paranormal and the supernatural, and does tests on humans.
Kessler said that he and his agents pitched the idea of the show to the creators back in 2014. He said he was shocked when “Stranger Things” first came out on the streaming site. The filmmaker is asking for money and the destruction of materials ripped off from his idea.
But Atty. Alex Kohner for the Duffer Brothers said Kessler’s claim was “completely meritless” and is “just an attempt for profit,” Deadline reported yesterday.
“Stranger Things” first streamed in July 2016. It instantly became a success and was praised by critics, later garnering numerous nominations and awards. Katrina Hallare/JB
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