Netflix and Adam McKay Win Dismissal of Second ‘Don’t Look Up’ Copyright Suit - Variety

Netflix and Adam McKay Defeat Second Lawsuit Over "Don't Look Up"

In a significant victory for Netflix and director Adam McKay, a judge has dismissed the second copyright lawsuit filed by self-published author Daniel C. Goldblatt over the 2021 film "Don't Look Up". This marks the latest development in a saga that began in May 2022.

Background of the Lawsuit

In response to the popularity of his novel "The Book of Longings", which was published in 2018, self-published author Daniel C. Goldblatt alleged that Netflix's adaptation of "Don't Look Up" infringed on the rights of his work. The lawsuit claimed that McKay and the production team had lifted passages from Goldblatt's book without permission or compensation.

First Lawsuit Dismissed

In May 2022, a federal judge in New York dismissed the first copyright lawsuit filed by Goldblatt against McKay and Netflix. The judge ruled that "The Book of Longings" was not substantially similar to "Don't Look Up", and therefore did not qualify as an infringement.

Second Lawsuit Filed

Undeterred, Goldblatt appealed the decision and filed a new lawsuit in November 2022. In this latest iteration, he claimed that the film's script had been lifted from his book without permission or compensation.

Current Developments

On Tuesday, Judge Gregory Presnell dismissed the second copyright lawsuit as well. According to court documents, Goldblatt alleged that McKay had plagiarized a character and plotline from "The Book of Longings" in the Netflix film.

However, Presnell's ruling stated that there was no evidence to support this claim. The judge found that Goldblatt had not provided sufficient proof that his work was substantially similar to the movie, and therefore did not meet the threshold for copyright infringement.

Implications

The dismissal of both lawsuits marks a significant victory for Netflix and Adam McKay, who have consistently denied any claims of plagiarism or copyright infringement. This ruling suggests that the production team took reasonable measures to ensure originality in their scriptwriting process.

Goldblatt's repeated failures to prove his case may serve as a warning to self-published authors considering taking on major studios like Netflix. As the saying goes, "if it sounds too good to be true", it often is – especially when it comes to copyright law.

The "Don't Look Up" Phenomenon

Released in 2021, "Don't Look Up" became a critical and commercial success, grossing over $50 million worldwide on a budget of just $65 million. The film's satirical take on climate change politics resonated with audiences and sparked widespread debate.

The movie's popularity can be attributed to McKay's masterful direction, a talented cast that includes Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence, and a script that struck a balance between humor and pathos. Whether you're a fan of science fiction or just looking for a thought-provoking film experience, "Don't Look Up" is an excellent choice.

Adam McKay: A Filmmaker with a Vision

With "Don't Look Up", Adam McKay cemented his reputation as one of Hollywood's most innovative directors. His commitment to pushing boundaries and tackling complex themes has earned him widespread critical acclaim.

Throughout his career, McKay has proven himself to be a master of the dark comedy genre, with films like "Anchorman" (2004), "Talladega Nights" (2006), and "The Big Short" (2015) showcasing his versatility. With "Don't Look Up", he demonstrated that even in the face of adversity, he remains committed to telling stories that challenge our assumptions and spark meaningful conversations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the dismissal of both copyright lawsuits over "Don't Look Up" serves as a reminder that originality is key when it comes to creative works. As self-published authors and aspiring writers, we would do well to take note of Goldblatt's repeated failures to prove his case.

With Adam McKay and Netflix at the helm, "Don't Look Up" will undoubtedly remain an iconic film for years to come – a testament to the power of storytelling in shaping our cultural landscape.