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Larry Klayman Files Lawsuit Against Netflix, Adam McKay, and David Sirota Over Alleged Copyright Infringement in Don’t Look Up

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Don't Look Up Lawsuit

In a dramatic twist that could shake Hollywood, high-profile attorney Larry Klayman has filed a lawsuit on behalf of author and screenwriter Darren Hunter, accusing Netflix and the creative team behind Don’t Look Up—including screenwriters Adam McKay and David Sirota—of copyright infringement. The complaint, Hunter v. Netflix, et al., filed in Florida’s 9th Judicial Circuit Court, alleges that the critically acclaimed Netflix hit unlawfully copied major elements from Hunter’s book The Million Day Forecast.

The lawsuit paints a detailed picture of alleged duplicity, claiming that Don’t Look Up, which has reportedly grossed over $1 billion, borrowed plot points, themes, and character arcs from Hunter’s 2017 novel. Notably, both the book and the film involve a young female astrophysicist who faces governmental pressure to remain silent about an impending cosmic disaster. In both works, a polarized society grapples with a looming threat that serves as a metaphor for climate change and pollution.

Hunter’s The Million Day Forecast further aligns with the film in its use of cutting-edge scientific facilities—such as the CERN Hadron Collider in Switzerland—as critical elements in the story. Additionally, both narratives culminate with female heads of state encountering alien life on an exoplanet, adding another striking parallel.

Personal Connections Add Complexity

Adding intrigue, the complaint highlights a personal connection between Darren Hunter and Don’t Look Up screenwriter David Sirota. Both attended the exclusive William Penn Charter High School in Philadelphia. Hunter alleges that in 2017, he gave a talk at the school about his book, during which he donated copies to students.

Legal Representation

Klayman, known for his high-profile cases and as the founder of both Judicial Watch and Freedom Watch, has stated that justice will be served. “The deceit and greed of Netflix, Adam McKay, David Sirota, Scott Huber, and Hyperobject Productions, Inc., is an unfortunate testament to the current state of some in Hollywood. These Defendants will pay dearly for their theft, and justice will prevail in favor of my client, Darren Hunter,” Klayman said in a statement accompanying the filing.

The Emotional Weight

The suit also notes the personal significance of The Million Day Forecast, dedicated to Hunter’s late son, Brett. This emotional element underscores the high stakes of the case for Hunter, who claims not only financial damages but also a deep personal affront.

Hollywood’s Copyright Dilemma

This lawsuit is the latest in a string of high-profile copyright disputes to embroil Hollywood. If successful, it could set a precedent for how intellectual property disputes involving major streaming platforms are resolved.

Representatives for Netflix, Adam McKay, and David Sirota have yet to comment on the allegations.

As the legal battle unfolds, the case is sure to spark conversations about the line between inspiration and infringement in Hollywood’s creative ecosystem. Stay tuned to Following Films for updates.

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