Screenwriter Simon Stephenson accuses acclaimed film ‘The Holdovers’ of copying his unproduced script

In a shocking revelation just hours before the 96th Annual Academy Awards, an Oscar-nominated film is under fire for alleged plagiarism. Screenwriter Simon Stephenson, known for his work on “Paddington 2” and “Wonka,” has accused the comedy-drama “The Holdovers” of pilfering his screenplay “Frisco.”

Stephenson’s allegations surfaced in an email exchange with the Writers Guild of America (WGA), claiming the film, which boasts five Oscar nominations, replicated his work “line-by-line.” He stated that “the meaningful entirety” of “The Holdovers” screenplay, including story, characters, structure, scenes, and dialogue, mirrors his own script. He further alleged that the film’s director, Alexander Payne, had access to his screenplay on two occasions before the development of “The Holdovers.”

“Frisco,” which appeared on a list of top unproduced scripts in 2013, tells the story of a pediatric allergist facing a divorce, who forms an unlikely bond with a terminally ill teenage patient in San Francisco. Meanwhile, “The Holdovers” is described as a Christmas story set in 1970, revolving around three individuals at a New England boarding school during the holidays.

Stephenson’s emails and documents sent to the WGA include allegations that Payne read “Frisco” in both 2013 and 2019, with email exchanges from United Talent Agency (UTA) and Creative Artists Agency (CAA) seemingly corroborating his claims. Payne, who is listed as the director of “The Holdovers,” reportedly assisted with the script, according to an interview.

“The Holdovers” has been nominated for best screenplay, among other categories, at the Oscars. However, WGA’s response to Stephenson’s claims indicated that plagiarism or copyright infringement issues are not arbitrable under the MBA and suggested a lawsuit as the most viable option.

The matter is reportedly being discussed internally by the WGA, but no public resolution has been announced. Both Payne and the WGA have been contacted for comment, but there has been no response from Payne.

As the film industry prepares for its biggest night, this plagiarism scandal casts a shadow over the celebrations, raising questions about originality and integrity in Hollywood.