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A Montana filmmaker has filed a lawsuit against Netflix, NBA star LeBron James, and other Hollywood figures, alleging that they copied his copyrighted script to create the streaming platform’s recent film "Rez Ball." The lawsuit, filed on Thursday in a California federal court, claims that the film shares "striking similarities" with the plaintiff's original script, from character arcs and dialogue to scene sequences.

Filmmaker Rob Grabow Claims Copyright Infringement

The lawsuit was brought by filmmaker Rob Grabow and his company, Paradise Valley Pictures LLC. Grabow, known for his 2023 feature film "The Year of the Dog," is currently working on a new project titled "The Gift of the Game." He asserts that "Rez Ball" not only shares a similar premise with his script but also allegedly copies specific, expressive elements of his work.

"It's not that the two works share just the same general premise, which they do," Grabow stated in the 25-page complaint. He alleges that the film, co-created by James and other industry insiders, includes concrete details he had shared in confidence under a nondisclosure agreement (NDA).

Allegations of Breached Confidentiality Agreements

According to the complaint, Grabow’s script, registered with the U.S. Copyright Office, centers on a mixed-race high school basketball team’s journey to win a state championship, with themes focusing on community, race relations, and overcoming adversity. Grabow claims he reached out to several Hollywood professionals to collaborate on the film, including Brit Hensel, who had worked on the Emmy-nominated FX series "Reservation Dogs."

Grabow alleges that he sent Hensel a copy of his script after she expressed interest in collaborating. Both parties signed an NDA that prohibited the disclosure or replication of the script’s content. However, the lawsuit contends that Hensel breached this agreement, sharing the script’s details with third parties, including "Rez Ball" co-creators Sterlin Harjo and Sydney Freeland.

LeBron James and Netflix are sued by filmmaker : Parallel Storylines and Characters

"Rez Ball," which premiered on Netflix in early September, is credited as co-written by Harjo and Freeland, alongside contributions from James and Michael Powell, who authored the book "Canyon Dreams: A Basketball Season on the Navajo Nation." Despite the film’s ties to Powell's book, Grabow argues that the similarities between his script and the Netflix release are far more pronounced than those with Powell's source material.

Grabow points to a range of shared elements between the two works, such as:

• Both stories revolve around a Native American high school basketball player leading his team towards a state championship.
• The opening scenes feature voiceovers and community-centric shots of children playing basketball outdoors.
• A subplot involving a mother reluctant to attend her son's games due to fear of his failure, which Grabow claims was a key element he discussed with Hensel during their meetings.

Grabow also highlights parallel dialogue. For instance, his protagonist tells a mentor figure, "I needed you to support my sense of who I am. Not yours," while the lead character in "Rez Ball" similarly asserts, "I'm not you," to an adult figure.

Legal Claims and Potential Damages

Grabow's lawsuit includes claims of copyright infringement and intentional interference with contractual relations against Netflix, LeBron James, and other named defendants. Specific to Hensel and ten unnamed individuals, the complaint alleges breach of contract for violating the NDA.

Grabow is represented by Devin A. McRae and Rebecca L. Claudat of Early Sullivan Wright Gizer & McRae LLP. Neither the counsel for Grabow nor representatives for Netflix and the other defendants responded to requests for comment.

LeBron James and Netflix are sued by filmmaker : Potential Industry Implications

This lawsuit is likely to draw significant attention given the involvement of high-profile names like LeBron James, who has been expanding his entertainment ventures through his production company, SpringHill Entertainment LLC. The company co-produced "Rez Ball," further entwining James in the allegations. The case also underscores the growing legal tensions in Hollywood over intellectual property and the rights of independent creators.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the case will examine the boundaries of creative inspiration versus infringement, potentially setting a precedent for future content disputes in the entertainment industry.