Primary Country (Mandatory)

United States

Other Country (Optional)

Set News Language for United States

Primary Language (Mandatory)
English
Other Language[s] (Optional)
No other language available

Set News Language for World

Primary Language (Mandatory)
English
Other Language(s) (Optional)

Set News Source for United States

Primary Source (Mandatory)
CNN
Other Source[s] (Optional)

Set News Source for World

Primary Source (Mandatory)
AajTak
Other Source(s) (Optional)
  • Countries
    • India
    • United States
    • Qatar
    • Germany
    • China
    • Canada
    • World
  • Categories
    • National
    • International
    • Business
    • Entertainment
    • Sports
    • Special
    • All Categories
  • Available Languages for United States
    • English
  • All Languages
    • English
    • Hindi
    • Arabic
    • German
    • Chinese
    • French
  • Sources
    • India
      • AajTak
      • NDTV India
      • The Hindu
      • India Today
      • Zee News
      • NDTV
      • BBC
      • The Wire
      • News18
      • News 24
      • The Quint
      • ABP News
      • Zee News
      • News 24
    • United States
      • CNN
      • Fox News
      • Al Jazeera
      • CBSN
      • NY Post
      • Voice of America
      • The New York Times
      • HuffPost
      • ABC News
      • Newsy
    • Qatar
      • Al Jazeera
      • Al Arab
      • The Peninsula
      • Gulf Times
      • Al Sharq
      • Qatar Tribune
      • Al Raya
      • Lusail
    • Germany
      • DW
      • ZDF
      • ProSieben
      • RTL
      • n-tv
      • Die Welt
      • Süddeutsche Zeitung
      • Frankfurter Rundschau
    • China
      • China Daily
      • BBC
      • The New York Times
      • Voice of America
      • Beijing Daily
      • The Epoch Times
      • Ta Kung Pao
      • Xinmin Evening News
    • Canada
      • CBC
      • Radio-Canada
      • CTV
      • TVA Nouvelles
      • Le Journal de Montréal
      • Global News
      • BNN Bloomberg
      • Métro
MoreBack to News Headlines
Plagiarism accusations arise against Alexander Payne’s ‘The Holdovers’ on the eve of the Oscars

Plagiarism accusations arise against Alexander Payne’s ‘The Holdovers’ on the eve of the Oscars

The Hindu
Sunday, March 10, 2024 10:01 AM GMT

Controversy surrounds Alexander Payne's Oscar-nominated film ‘The Holdovers’ as accusations of plagiarism arise from ‘Luca’ co-writer Simon Stephenson.

Alexander Payne’s latest Oscar-nominee, The Holdovers, has found itself embroiled in controversy as accusations of plagiarism surface from Simon Stephenson, co-writer of Disney Pixar’s Luca. Stephenson alleges striking similarities between The Holdovers and his 2013 Black List spec script, Frisco.

In a detailed argument reported by Variety, Stephenson claims that the Oscar-nominated screenplay for The Holdovers mirrors his own Frisco script, suggesting that Payne likely had access to his work. While the screenplay for The Holdovers is solely credited to David Hemingson, Stephenson asserts that the narrative parallels between the two scripts are too pronounced to be coincidental.

The Holdovers follows the story of a grumpy prep school history teacher tasked with caring for a 15-year-old student, whereas Frisco revolves around a pediatric allergist who forms a bond with a terminally ill teenager during a trip to San Francisco.

Despite reaching out to Focus Features, WGA West, and representatives for Payne, Hemingson, and himself, Stephenson has yet to receive a response. The WGA typically refrains from investigating plagiarism claims related to spec scripts, though Stephenson’s assertion has sparked some discussion within the guild.

Variety’s report includes a paper trail of emails suggesting Payne’s familiarity with Stephenson’s script before the development of The Holdovers. Additionally, a memo from Stephenson comparing the two scripts has been published, further fueling the allegations.

Payne has previously acknowledged involvement in shaping the script for The Holdovers but opted not to take a screen credit.

Ironically, one of the handful of plot points from The Holdovers that Stephenson claims varies from Frisco is a scene Paul Giamatti’s character recounting a story about plagiarism, altering the trajectory of their life — a narrative twist that now adds layers of irony to the unfolding controversy.

Read full story on The Hindu
Share this story on:-
Run 3 Space | Play Space Running GamePlay Run 3, the ultimate space tunnel running game with 300+ challenging levels!Adv.
Traffic Jam 3D | Online Racing GameTraffic Jam 3D is a game where you’ll be driving through heavy traffic.Adv.
Duck Hunt | Play Old Classic GamePlay the classic 1984 light gun shooter game Duck Hunt on your browser.Adv.
More Related News
Composer Christo Xavier on his latest track ‘Aspirin’: My aim was to create a poem with electronic music as a medium

Composer Christo Xavier finds inspiration in nature, creating electronic music with a poetic touch in his latest single 'Aspirin'.

‘Metro In Dino’ trailer: Aditya Roy Kapur, Sara Ali Khan, Anupam Kher lead ensemble in urban love stories

Anurag Basu's ensemble romantic drama Metro... In Dino explores interconnected love stories in modern-day Mumbai, releasing July 4.

Judge rules in favour of Justin Baldoni as Blake Lively's emotional distress case faces setback

In a dramatic development in the legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, a federal judge has ruled in favour of Baldoni, dismissing Lively’s claims of emotional distress in their ongoing lawsuit

Dancer-couple Nirupama and Rajendra revisit the Ramayana in ‘Rama Katha Vismaya’

Experience a vibrant retelling of the Ramayana through dance, music, and storytelling in 'Rama Katha Vismaya' production.

Thug Life: Apology does not make anyone smaller, arrogance will not make anyone greater, says B.S. Yediyurappa

Former Karnataka CM adds that ‘arrogance will not make anyone greater’.

Ananya Panday joins Kartik Aaryan in ‘Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri’

Ananya Panday to star opposite Kartik Aaryan in ‘Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri’, set to release on February 13, 2026

Vidya Kalyanaraman and Brindha Manickavasakan’s musical tribute to Syama Sastri

Vidya Kalyanaraman & Brindha Manickavasakan's concert dedicated to Syama Sastry's compositions at Arkay Convention Center - May 25, 2025.

Kamal Haasan pens birthday note to Mani Ratnam ahead of ‘Thug Life’: Your presence has been a source of strength

Kamal Haasan celebrates Mani Ratnam's birthday with heartfelt message ahead of Thug Life release in 2025.

Vetri Maaran moves Madras High Court against denial of censor certificate for Manushi

Vetri Maaran moves Madras High Court against denial of censor certificate for Manushi

‘Your Friends & Neighbors’ series review: Jon Hamm is riveting in this black satire

In Your Friends & Neighbors, Jon Hamm stars as Coop in a blackly comic exploration of wealth, relationships, and moral dilemmas in a posh community

In Marseille, a shadow becomes art in Banksy’s latest street mural

Banksy had struck again. The lighthouse appeared overnight. Painted on a wall tucked away in a quiet Marseille street, its beam aligned perfectly with the real-life shadow of a metal post on the pavement. At its centre, stencilled in crisp white, are the words: “I want to be what you saw in me.”

Taylor Swift regains control of her music, buys back first six albums

Taylor Swift regains control of her music catalog, rerecording albums to reclaim ownership and deepen fan connection.

Jafar Panahi | The auteur of dissent Premium

The Hindu’s profile on Jafar Panahi

Parking Slot | Free Parking GamePlay Parking Slot, the best online 3D car driving and parking game.Adv.
Slope Ball Run - Play OnlineSlope Game takes you on an exciting journey of a ball on special paths.Adv.
Viewing Shoorpanakha from beyond the myth and its margins

A solo performance Shoorpanakha: A Search by Parshathy J Nath will be presented in Bengaluru on June 11

Kamal Haasan’s ‘Vikram’ shines in Japan amid ‘Thug Life’ release

Kamal Haasan’s blockbuster ‘Vikram’ breaks records in Japan, receives positive responses and sets new opening day record by grossing over INR ₹ 50 lakh

Theatre as an antidote to loneliness

Jehan Manekshaw's journey from theatre education to cultural revitalization in Mumbai, shared in an insightful interview.

‘Thug Life’ movie review: Kamal Haasan’s fiery performance aside, Mani Ratnam’s gangster drama shoots blanks

‘Thug Life’ movie review: Despite an excellent Kamal Haasan, a restrained Silambarasan TR, great production design and superb cinematography, Mani Ratnam’s film is a generic gangster drama that makes you grope in the dark for its beating heart

Mithoon, the maestro of melodies

Mithoon, the master of melody in Bollywood, shares his musical journey

Aamir Khan confirms ‘big-scale’ superhero action film with Lokesh Kanagaraj, to enter production in mid-2026 

Aamir Khan confirms superhero film with Lokesh Kanagaraj, denies PK 2 rumors, and plans Dadasaheb Phalke biopic.

‘Wicked: For Good’ trailer: Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande return for a grand finale at Oz

The official trailer for Wicked: For Good teases a magical sequel with returning stars and deeper character exploration.

Rana Daggubati weighs in on Kamal Haasan’s Kannada language controversy

Actor Rana Daggubati addresses backlash over Kamal Haasan's remarks on Kannada language, emphasizing societal expectations and cultural unity.

The Hindu Sunday crossword No. 7

The Hindu Sunday Crossword No 7

Malayalam film policy draft to be presented at conclave in August

Draft of Malayalam film industry policy to be discussed at government film conclave, addressing issues like gender equality and piracy.

Tamil play The Meaning of Malar explores relationship and gender dynamics

The Meaning of Malar, the Tamil play, which is inspired by Amir Levine’s book Attached explores relationship and gender dynamics

Chennai’s House of Klothberg hosts a contemporary art show in a retail setting

Experience art defying boundaries in a unique exhibition at The House of Klothberg, blending with sustainable fashion and everyday life.

© 2008 - 2025 Webjosh  |  News Archive  |  Privacy Policy  |  Contact Us