Five years after initial allegations, the $81 million copyright battle over the Apple TV+ series Servant finally had its day in court on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. The packed Riverside courtroom bearing witness to the exhibit included Apple TV+ programming chief Matt Cherniss, series creator Tony Basgallop, and director/producer M. Night Shyamalan.
Per Variety, Gregorini’s filing alleges Shyamalan and Apple TV+ appropriated her 2013 Sundance film The Truth About Emanuel in the 2019 series Servant. Action on the suit, filed by Servant director Francesca Gregorini’s suit against M. Night Shyamalan and company, has moved at a glacial pace after multiple legal hurdles, making today a crucial moment in the half-decade dispute over creative ownership, kickstarting what will be a highly scrutinized Hollywood legal battle. The case, initially dismissed in 2022, hinges on proving both access and substantial similarity.
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On the surface, similarities between the two exist, as evidenced by attorney Patrick Arenz. Supporting Gregorini’s case, Arenz’s opening statements incorporated comparative footage from both works, demonstrating the likenesses: a delusional mother caring for a doll akin to a real baby and a nanny character getting embroiled in the haunting among them. Shyamalan, who has been a prolific horror director and writer for decades, was, alongside Basgallop, given a robust defense. Brittany Amadi, their attorney, countered, noting therapeutic reborn dolls exist independently in real-world grief counseling.
Amadialso stressed the importance of each project’s distinct genres, characterizing Servant as a supernatural thriller against Emanuel’s emotional drama. The defense also noted Shyamalan’s background as an Indian-born filmmaker and his notable output over the years, achieved without industry connections—a far cry, allegedly, from Gregorini’s ties to entertainment figures, including stepfather Ringo Starr. Yet, thematic crossover isn’t the only smoking gun. Additional evidence supporting Gregorini’s case includes Apple TV+ executive Max Aronson’s digital footprint. Aronson’s email inbox was proven to have a link to Emanuel, received before Servant‘s release.
“Ms. Gregorini is seeking a windfall here…She’s seeking $81 million for work she didn’t do.” — Apple TV+ lawyer Brittany Amadi
Judge Sunshine Sykes, who rejected Apple’s recent summary judgment, oversees the anticipated two-week proceedings. Now opening statements are completed, jury’s will be provided screenings of both works, viewing Emanuel in full, followed by three episodes of Servant, before hearing scheduled testimony from Shyamalan.
Servant is available to stream on Apple TV+.
Source: Variety
A Philadelphia couple are in mourning after an unspeakable tragedy creates a rift in their marriage and opens a door for a mysterious force to enter their home.
- Release Date
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November 29, 2019
- Cast
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Julius Belford
, Mason Belford
, Nell Tiger Free
, Rupert Grint
, Phillip James Brannon
, Toby Kebbell
, Lauren Ambrose - Seasons
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4
