Filmmaker Charlie Kessler alleges that “Stranger Things” creators, brothers Matt and Ross Duffer, stole the idea for the Netflix hit from a film that he produced. He is suing for breach of implied contract and is seeking monetary damages.
According to the court documents filed, Kessler claims in April 2014 he met the Duffer brothers at a premiere party during the Tribeca Film Festival and discussed his film and script for “Montauk” with them.
“Montauk” was a sci-fi short film about an event that took place in a Long Island community. It featured conspiracy theories, government projects, paranormal activity, and a cop haunted by his past. All things that are present in ‘Stranger Things” as well.
In a statement to CNN, the Duffer brothers’ attorney claims that Kessler’s comments are “completely meritless”. He goes on to state that “[Kessler] had no connection to the creation or development of ‘Stranger Things,’ The Duffer Brothers have neither seen Mr. Kessler’s short film nor discussed any project with him. This is just an attempt to profit from other people’s creativity and hard work.”
