Netflix is being hit with a lawsuit over the axing of a contract to develop a video game based on Zack Snyder‘s “Rebel Moon.” Evil Genius Games filed the lawsuit in federal court on September 28th. They claim they were working closely with the streamer to have a tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) to be released with the “Rebel Moon” film. Evil Genius Games alleges that for months there was nothing but positive collaboration, before it went downhill.
“Nevertheless, just weeks after the work was finalized and turned over to Netflix, Netflix did a complete about face, and accused Plaintiff of breaching the Agreement’s confidentiality provisions – ‘and Netflix’s trust’ – by allegedly releasing confidential “Rebel Moon” content at a trade show and then disclosing unapproved artwork for the “Rebel Moon” game to retailers,” the lawsuit says in regards to the sudden termination of the licensing deal in May 2023.
Evil Genius Games claims they had permission from the streamer in March to show some artwork at Game Manufacturers Association Exposition 2023. The purpose of showing the artwork was to “create some industry buzz” for the project. Evil Genius Games emphasize that two Netflix staffers helped distribute materials to retailers at the show.
Kibler, Fowler & Cave LLC, of Los Angeles, are representing the breach of contract lawsuit and seek unspecified damages. Though he is mentioned in the lawsuit, Snyder is not listed as a defendant. Netflix has not made a comment about the lawsuit at this time.
Evil Genius Games claims to have done their job and delivered a 228-page World Bible, expanding on Snyder’s vision. They also claim to have handed over a 430-page Player’s Guide, and 337-page Game Master’s Guide. Snyder’s initial script for the film was “missing background information vital to the story as a whole and to the world,” according to the lawsuit. Evil Genius supplied “all the missing pieces” and gave the project “a cohesive backstory for the entire “Rebel Moon” franchise.”
“It became clear that Netflix was simply using the alleged breach and termination to hijack [Evil Genius’] intellectual property and prevent [Evil Genius] from releasing the game,” the lawsuit alleges.
Evil Genius Games CEO David Scott, released a statement that the decision to file the lawsuit was not made lightly. “Our aim is to ensure our team is recognized for their fantastic work, and that we can release this game for millions of TTRPG enthusiast to enjoy. It is disheartening to see Netflix backpedal on content that was jointly showcased and had received their prior consent. We urge our supporters to contact Netflix and Zack Snyder to push for the release of this game.”
Evil Genius Games is best known for their “Everyday Heroes” gaming platform. They hold licenses for the films: “The Crow,” “Escape From New York,” “Highlander,” “Kong: Skull Island,” “Total Recall,” “Rambo,” “Pacific Rim,” and “Universal Soldier.”
“Rebel Moon” is set to hit Netflix on December 22nd.
