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Apple and M. Night Shyamalan Sued Over 'Servant' TV Show's Similarity to 2013 Movie 'The Truth About Emanuel'

Wednesday January 15, 2020 12:06 pm PST by Juli Clover

Apple and M. Night Shyamalan, producer of Apple TV+ show "Servant," are being targeted in a new lawsuit that accuses "Servant" of copying 2013 film "The Truth About Emanuel," according to The Blast.

"The Truth About Emanuel" director Francesca Gregorini claims that "Servant" appropriates the plot of her movie and uses the same "cinematic language," resulting in a "substantially similar feeling, mood, and theme."

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Along with parallel plot points, Gregorini says that Servant also features "strikingly similar--and highly idiosyncratic--characters, scenes, directorial choices, and modes of storytelling."

Released in 2013 with Kaya Scoddelario and Jessica Biel, "The Truth About Emanuel" involves a 17-year-old babysitter who looks after a baby that turns out to be a doll replacing a baby that has died, which is indeed similar to the plot of "Servant."

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The lawsuit targets ‌Apple TV‌+, show creator Tony Basgallop, producer M. Night Shyamalan, and other producers on the series. Shyamalan and the other show creators say that "Servant" was in development prior to the release of "The Truth About Emanuel."

"Defendants have arrogantly dismissed Ms. Gregorini's protests by vaguely claiming that Servant was in development long before Emanuel was made, and that any similarity is a coincidence. Indeed, Mr. Shyamalan and Mr. Basgallop implausibly claim they have never seen Emanuel--apparently not even curious enough to watch after hearing Ms. Gregorini's objections. Worse, Apple has brought stonewalling to a new level by simply referring inquiries to Mr. Shyamalan's lawyer (who in turns says he cannot speak for Apple)."

Gregorini is seeking unspecified damages, profits Apple made from the show, and an injunction to prevent "Servant" from being further distributed.

"Servant," which debuted on November 28, is wrapping up its first season with the final episode set to be released on Friday, January 17. Apple has already renewed the series for a second season. Given that the show is still in development and the last episode hasn't debuted, it's not yet known how similar it will end up being to the movie in question.

Based on the description of the film, there already seem to be significantly divergent plot elements, so it's not clear how the lawsuit will progress.

Tags: Apple TV Plus Guide, Apple TV Shows, Apple Lawsuits

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Top Rated Comments

88 months ago

Whatever happened to originality? It seems to be a lost art.

When was the art lost? Every single form of art is inspired by something before it.

some of the movies you enjoyed from decades ago were themselves remakes or inspired by movies that came even earlier.

Score: 35 Votes (Like | Disagree)

88 months ago

Best M.Night Shyamalan twist ever!

Score: 32 Votes (Like | Disagree)

88 months ago

Not surprised. He should also be sued for butchering the live action movie of Avatar the Last Airbender.

Score: 28 Votes (Like | Disagree)

88 months ago

He should be sued just for producing such a waste of time. Stopped watching after Ep. 3 and it was a chore just to get to that episode.

Couldn't disagree more. One of the best shows of the year IMO and Shyamalan's best project since The Sixth Sense. Critics seem to think it's pretty good too...85% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)

88 months ago

“Apple has brought stonewalling to a new level by simply referring inquiries to Mr. Shyamalan's lawyer.”

In Apple’s defense, that would certainly be MY answer if I were them. If there’s copying going on, it’s Mr Shyamalan’s doing.

Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)

88 months ago

I see litigious people...

Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Read All Comments

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