SO SHOCKING: DEVASTATING! LEBRON JAMES AND NETFLIX SUED BY SCREENWRITER OVER ‘REZ BALL’ FILM AFTER MAGNIFICENT HIT…
LeBron James, Netflix, and the production company SpringHill Co. are facing a lawsuit from filmmaker Rob Grabow, who alleges that the Netflix film Rez Ball plagiarized his screenplay, The Gift of the Game. The lawsuit, filed in a California federal court, accuses the defendants of copyright infringement, breach of contract, and other violations. Grabow claims that Rez Ball, released in September 2024, closely resembles his work in its plot, characters, and themes, despite Netflix stating the film is based on the book Canyon Dreams by Michael Powell.
Background of the Lawsuit
Grabow’s script focuses on a Native American high school basketball player leading his underdog team to a state championship, exploring themes of community, race, and perseverance. He asserts that Rez Ball includes multiple “strikingly similar” elements, such as the cultural and emotional arcs, pacing, and the climactic scene where the protagonist is fouled during a game-winning shot. These alleged similarities suggest the Netflix film borrowed significantly from his script rather than the book it was adapted from.
The screenwriter also claims his script was shared with individuals linked to SpringHill and Netflix, implying they had direct access to his work. This alleged access forms a central argument in his case for copyright infringement.
Broader Implications
This lawsuit highlights ongoing concerns in Hollywood about intellectual property rights and the ethical practices of large production companies. Rez Ball, touted as a significant effort to elevate Native American representation in mainstream media, now faces scrutiny for potentially undermining another creator’s work.
Grabow seeks unspecified damages and a determination that his intellectual property was improperly used. For Netflix and SpringHill, this legal battle could pose reputational challenges, especially given their focus on socially conscious storytelling.
This case underscores the delicate balance between inspiration and appropriation in the entertainment industry. It also raises questions about the mechanisms for protecting underrepresented voices and stories in a competitive creative landscape. As the lawsuit progresses, it could set a precedent for how intellectual property claims are handled in Hollywood.
