A filmmaker and stunt performer is accusing Disney and animation studio 88 Pictures of plagiarizing a scene from his fan-made Star Wars film and using it in an episode of Star Wars: Visions.
The fan film, titled Dark Jedi, was released in 2019. The accuser, who wishes to remain anonymous but provided evidence, claims a specific fight choreography sequence in the Visions episode “The Ninth Jedi” was directly lifted from his work.
Key Takeaways
- A filmmaker alleges his 2019 Star Wars fan film “Dark Jedi” was plagiarized.
- The alleged plagiarism involves a fight scene choreography used in an episode of “Star Wars: Visions.”
- The accusation targets Disney and animation studio 88 Pictures.
- Striking similarities in the choreography have been presented as evidence.
The Allegations Detailed
According to reports, the fan filmmaker provided side-by-side comparisons showcasing remarkably similar movements, camera angles, and even the flow of the fight sequence between his original work and the episode from Visions.
This isn’t the first time fan creations have drawn attention, but direct accusations of plagiarism against a major studio like Disney, especially concerning a property as beloved as Star Wars, are significant.
Studio and Disney Response
As of now, neither Disney nor 88 Pictures have issued a public statement regarding the allegations. The source of the accusation is awaiting a formal response.
Editor’s Take: A Shadow Over Visions
Star Wars: Visions has been lauded for its unique artistic interpretations of the galaxy far, far away, giving creative freedom to diverse animation studios. However, this accusation casts a shadow over that creative process.
If proven true, it would represent a significant lapse in creative integrity and could have broader implications for how fan works are perceived and potentially utilized, even indirectly, by major corporations. It also raises questions about the internal review processes at both Disney and 88 Pictures.
For fans who pour their passion into creating original content inspired by beloved franchises, seeing their work potentially replicated without credit is disheartening. This situation underscores the importance of respecting intellectual property and giving credit where it is due, even when dealing with derivative works.
This article was based on reporting from Polygon. A huge shoutout to their team for the original coverage. Read the full story at Polygon