After winning Best Animated Picture at the Oscars last month, Disney is facing a lawsuit for Zootopia.
As reported by Eonline.com, Hollywood screenwriter and producer Gary Goldman’s Esplanade Production Inc. is claiming in court documents that he originally pitched the idea for Zootopia twice over the years to the Disney company. The suit alleges copyright infringement, breach of implied-in-fact contact, breach of confidence and unfair competition.
“The Disney Zootopia copies substantial elements of that cartoon world, similar setting, characters, dialogue, mood, pace, artwork, and although differing superficially, plot points and story structures, to express substantially similar themes,” the suit claimed.
In response to the lawsuit, a Disney spokesperson released a statement that read, “ Mr. Goldman’s lawsuit is riddled with patently false allegations. It is an unprincipled attempt to lay claim to a successful film he didn’t create, and we will vigorously defend against it in court.”
Zootopia proved to be a box office hit amongst moviegoers of all ages. The 3D film grossed more than $1 billion worldwide and earned praise from critics.
