'Together' director Michael Shanks responds to idea theft accusation

Los Angeles, Jun 19 (PTI) Director Michael Shanks, the director of Dave Franco and Alison Brie-starrer "Together", says the accusations that he stole the idea of the movie is "deeply upsetting but entirely untrue".

The Australian writer-director made his debut with the body horror movie, which was sold to Neon for USD 17 million at Sundance.

Last month Shanks and the actors were accused in a lawsuit of stealing the idea from indie film “Better Half.” In a statement, shared by Neon on X, Shanks said the film is inspired by his life experiences be it his 16-year-old relationship with his partner, his failed aspirations as a musician and losing his father at a young age.

“To have this called into question is not only deeply upsetting but entirely untrue... To now be accused of stealing this story — one so deeply based on my own lived experience, one I’ve developed over the course of several years — is devastating and has taken a heavy toll,” he said in a statement.

"Together" is set to be released in theatres on July 30.

The lawsuit alleges that both Franco and Larson were pitched "Better Half" but their agent turned it down. PTI BK BK BK