Mark Wahlberg and Dwayne Johnson Sued Over HBO Show ‘Ballers’
Actors Mark Wahlberg and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson will now have to appear in court and defend their newest HBO TV show, "Ballers," in front of a jury of their peers. A lawsuit has been filed claiming that the actors stole their idea for the series.
According to Deadline, Johnson, who starred in the show, and Wahlberg, who executive produced the show, are being sued by writers Everette Silas and Sherri Littleton for allegedly stealing their idea. They go as far as to claim that the show is nearly identical to the idea they presented to the network and producers back in 2008.
When Silas and Littleton had the idea in 2008, they approached producers with the idea for the series but never spoke with Wahlberg or Johnson. But those producers did speak with the two actors, and that is where the case lies for the plaintiffs.
"Plaintiffs are informed and believe and on that basis allege, that the more recent work, 'Ballers,' borrows heavily from the Materials and that certain aesthetic elements, including, without limitation, physical appearance of the characters and their vehicles, and plots, scenes, as well as story lines are virtually identical to the Materials that the Defendants had access to," the lawsuit states.
Also named in the suit is executive producer Stephen Levinson as well as the network HBO.
An HBO spokesperson has since stated they believe the lawsuit has no merit, and they are confident in their assertion.
Johnson not only starred in the show but also served as an executive producer as well. The show has been given the green light for a Season 2 on the premium cable network, but there has been no word yet when it will premiere.
It has been described by many as the sports version of the HBO hit show "Entourage." It features Johnson as an ex-football player who has turned into a mentor to younger up and coming talents in the NFL. It features a high profile aesthetic with Hollywood sized themes.
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