Together Movie Lawsuit, Copyright Case Over Body Horror Film Continues 2026
The copyright lawsuit against Dave Franco, Alison Brie, and their body horror film “Together” remains in active litigation as of February 2026. StudioFest filed the case in May 2025, alleging the Sundance hit stole the plot from their 2023 indie film “Better Half.”
The lawsuit has raised critical questions about where inspiration ends and copyright infringement begins in Hollywood, with both sides preparing for trial after settlement negotiations failed.
What StudioFest Alleges in the Lawsuit
StudioFest filed the copyright infringement lawsuit on May 13, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California (Case No. 2:25-cv-04294). The production company claims “Together” is a “blatant rip-off” of “Better Half,” written by Patrick Henry Phelan in 2019 and released in 2023.
According to court filings, both films center on a couple who wake up to find their bodies physically fused together as a metaphor for codependency. The lawsuit alleges “Together” copies plot, themes, characters, dialogue, mood, setting, pace, and sequence of events from “Better Half.”
StudioFest claims their casting director emailed Franco and Brie’s WME agents in August 2020, offering them $20,000 each to star in “Better Half.” The complete script was attached. Both actors declined through their agents. StudioFest alleges Franco and Brie then worked with fellow WME client Michael Shanks to create their own version.
Specific Similarities Cited in the Complaint
The lawsuit details numerous alleged similarities beyond the core concept. Both films reference Plato’s Symposium in what StudioFest calls “near-verbatim” dialogue, explaining humans originally had two faces and eight limbs before Zeus split them. Both feature a Spice Girls “Spiceworld” vinyl record in a pivotal final scene where the couple accepts their fate.
Additional claimed similarities include: both couples consist of a teacher ready to propose and a commitment-phobic artist in their 30s; both films show the couple becoming attached at their genitals while trying to hide it from someone outside a bathroom door; both use visual motifs of two rodents stuck together as foreshadowing; and both explore the same themes of codependency through identical narrative arcs.
StudioFest co-founders Jess Jacklin and Charles Beale attended the Sundance premiere in January 2025 and watched “in stunned silence, their worst nightmare unfolding,” according to the complaint.
The Defendants and Their Response
Named defendants include Dave Franco, Alison Brie (both producers and stars), director/writer Michael Shanks, talent agency WME, and distributor Neon, which acquired “Together” for $17 million at Sundance 2025—one of the festival’s biggest deals.
WME called the lawsuit “frivolous and without merit” in May 2025, stating “the facts in this case are clear and we plan to vigorously defend ourselves.” Neon echoed this stance and warned of counterclaims for attorney fees.
Director Michael Shanks issued a detailed statement calling the allegations “devastating” and “entirely untrue.” He claimed the film draws from his personal experience with codependency in a 16-year relationship and losing his father at a young age. Shanks stated he completed the first draft in 2019 and registered it with the Writers Guild of America that year—before the alleged 2020 pitch to Franco and Brie.
Attorney Nicolas Jampol argued in a May 21, 2025 letter that “Together” was independently created and the films are “not remotely similar.” He stated any similarities represent generic concepts not subject to copyright protection, adding “your client does not own this concept.”
Legal Framework and What’s at Stake
Copyright law protects expression of ideas, not the ideas themselves. To prove infringement, StudioFest must demonstrate (1) Franco and Brie had access to “Better Half,” and (2) substantial similarity exists between protectable elements of both works.
The Ninth Circuit applies an extrinsic test (objective comparison of specific expressive elements) and intrinsic test (whether an ordinary observer would find substantial similarity in total concept and feel). Discovery will likely focus on script revisions, hard drive metadata, and Australian Screen Australia development grants Shanks received in October 2020.
StudioFest seeks actual and statutory damages, profit disgorgement, injunctive relief preventing further distribution, attorney fees, and pre- and post-judgment interest—amounts to be determined by jury trial.
Current Status as of February 2026
As of February 2026, the case remains in active litigation. No settlement has been announced, and both sides are proceeding toward trial. The film was released theatrically on July 30, 2025, as scheduled despite the pending lawsuit.
Legal experts predict the case could take one to two years or longer to resolve through trial, assuming no settlement is reached. Discovery is likely ongoing, with both sides gathering evidence including script drafts, emails, development timelines, and witness testimony.
The case highlights ongoing tensions in Hollywood about intellectual property protection, particularly when pitches circulate through talent agencies that also package competing projects.
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Where to Find Official Information
Court documents are available through PACER at pacer.uscourts.gov by searching Case No. 2:25-cv-04294 in the Central District of California. StudioFest is represented by Dan Miller and Samantha Rifkin of Miller Barondess LLP. Defendants are represented by Nicolas Jampol.
Industry publications including Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, IndieWire, and Deadline continue covering case developments. Miller Barondess LLP’s website provides updates on their representation of StudioFest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Together movie lawsuit about?
The lawsuit alleges “Together,” starring Dave Franco and Alison Brie, is a copyright infringement of StudioFest’s 2023 film “Better Half.” StudioFest claims Franco and Brie were pitched the script in 2020, declined, then allegedly created a substantially similar film.
Who are the parties involved?
Plaintiffs are StudioFest LLC and co-founders Jess Jacklin and Charles Beale. Defendants include Dave Franco, Alison Brie, director Michael Shanks, WME, and distributor Neon. The case is in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
What is the current status?
As of February 2026, the lawsuit remains in active litigation with no settlement announced. Both sides are preparing for trial, which could take one to two years or longer to conclude.
When was the lawsuit filed?
StudioFest filed the copyright infringement lawsuit on May 13, 2025, in federal court in California.
What are the potential outcomes?
If StudioFest prevails, they could receive monetary damages, profit disgorgement from “Together,” injunctive relief, and attorney fees. If defendants win, they may seek attorney fees for defending against what they call a frivolous lawsuit.
How long will the case take?
Legal experts estimate the case could take one to two years minimum if it proceeds to trial, potentially longer depending on appeals.
Where can I find court documents?
Access official documents through PACER (pacer.uscourts.gov) by searching Case No. 2:25-cv-04294 in the Central District of California.
Last Updated: February 16, 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the Together movie copyright lawsuit. It is not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for specific legal guidance.
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About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
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