Servant was a psychological thriller show that streamed on Apple TV+ from 2019 to 2023 and was centered around a couple whose lives were struck by a tragedy that ended up creating a barrier in their marriage. While the plot might interest those looking to stream content of this particular category, it has been alleged that parts of the show have key elements that have allegedly been stolen from a 2013 film, resulting in a lawsuit that might force Apple to pay a fine of a whopping $81 million.
The new show stole key elements from the film ‘The Truth About Emanuel’ with the film director’s attorney stating that there would not be any ‘Servant’ if the movie did not exist
The 2013 film’s director, Francesca Gregorini, initiated the lawsuit in 2020, with AppleInsider reporting that the case was previously dismissed. She stated that various themes, similar shots, and other additions are enough evidence to suggest that copyright infringement was involved when directing Servant. According to the latest update from Variety, the Apple TV+ show’s creators will testify to a jury, and the jurors will watch ‘The Truth About Emanuel’ and the first three episodes of Servant to determine if any content was stolen.
Francesca’s attorney, Patrick Arenz, showed jurors clips of both the show and the movie while also stating that Servant would not have existed without The Truth About Emanuel. Tony Basgallop, the British writer who created the series, had his lawyer Brittany Amadi state that the show began development long before The Truth About Emanuel was released and that those involved with the series never drew on the film. Francesca is seeking damages of $81 million, but Amadi states that the film director is seeking money for work she did not do.
Additionally, the $81 million figure is unfathomable, considering that The Truth About Emanuel did not even come remotely close to making that amount. In total, the 2013 film grossed $226 in Los Angeles and just $9 in Philadelphia. Francesca’s attorney has admitted that indie films bleed money, but the director's primary goal was not to deliver financial success but to obtain more exposure. To prove that copyright infringement happened, the plaintiff must present substantial evidence of content similarities. The trial is expected to last about two weeks, after which we shall have the verdict ready.
News Source: Variety
