Kong: Skull Island Faces Plagiarism Lawsuit

Artist Joe DeVito is suing Warner Bros and Legendary Entertainment over their upcoming film ‘Kong: Skull Island,’ which DeVito claims has used his concepts without authorisation or payment.

In years gone by, DeVito had worked closely with the family of ‘King Kong’ creator Merian C Cooper to develop a broader universe around the iconic giant ape and his homeland.

DeVito also illustrated and co-authored a 2005 novel with Brad Strickland, ‘Kong: King of Skull Island,’ published by Dark Horse and authorised by the Cooper family, which detailed much of his newly devised mythology.

The artist says he had met with Legendary and Warner Bros in 2014 to pitch them his ideas with a view to a ‘Skull Island’ TV series - and he claims (in the words of The Hollywood Reporter) that these companies have “[used] the conceptual framework he pitched them as the basis of their film without giving proper credit or compensation.”

Furthermore, he accuses Legendary of using intimidation tactics to coerce his co-producers into withdrawing from the would-be TV show.

DeVito is suing both Warner Bros and Legendary for breach of implied contract, and has a second complaint against Legendary for intentional interference with a contract. He is seeking at least $3.5 million in damages.

The complaint filed by DeVito’s lawyer states that the ‘Skull Island’ pitch proposed to explore “the iconic creature’s origin [and] his relationship to the mysterious island on which he was found” - and it is anticipated that the upcoming ‘Kong: Skull Island’ film will do much the same.

Legendary now plan to use the film as part of a new giant monster universe, tying into their 2014 movie ‘Godzilla’ - and, following their ‘Godzilla’ sequel in 2018, they have ‘Kong Vs Godzilla’ penciled in for 2020.

Currently in production with a cast including Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson and Samuel L Jackson, ‘Kong: Skull Island’ is due to hit UK cinemas on 10 March 2017.

Picture Credit: DeVito Artworks LLC

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