Q'orianka Kilcher has filed a lawsuit against filmmaker James Cameron, Disney, and other entities involved in the creation of the Avatar franchise. According to multiple reports from Los Angeles Times, BBC, Reuters, and The Guardian, Kilcher alleges that her likeness was used without consent or compensation to design the character Neytiri.
Key Takeaways
Q'orianka Kilcher has filed a lawsuit against James Cameron, Disney, and others for allegedly using her likeness to create the character Neytiri in the 'Avatar' films without her consent or compensation. According to multiple reports, Cameron used a photograph of Kilcher from 'The New World' as inspiration for Neytiri's design. The actor seeks damages and acknowledgment of her contributions.
- Q'orianka Kilcher sues James Cameron and Disney over likeness claims in the 'Avatar' franchise
- Kilcher alleges that Cameron used a photograph of her without permission to create Neytiri's facial features
- The lawsuit includes misappropriation of likeness, invasion of privacy, and interfering with possible financial gain as key points
- Kilcher seeks damages and acknowledgment of her contributions in the 'Avatar' films
The lawsuit filed on Tuesday in California Central District Court accuses Cameron of misappropriation of likeness, invasion of privacy, and interfering with possible financial gain. Kilcher claims that Cameron extracted her facial features from a photograph taken when she was 14 years old, portraying Pocahontas in the film The New World, and used it as inspiration for Neytiri's design.
Cameron acknowledged using the photograph of Kilcher during an interview with French YouTube channel Konbini. In the video noted in the lawsuit, Cameron references the original sketch work for Neytiri: “The source for this was a photograph that was in the L.A. Times as part of the promotion for ‘The New World,’” he said. The lawsuit alleges that Kilcher's likeness was used extensively without her knowledge or consent.
Kilcher seeks an unspecified amount in damages and a jury trial, along with a public statement acknowledging her contributions and correcting any false statements about her involvement. Disney and Cameron have not yet responded to requests for comment on the lawsuit.
The Avatar franchise has grossed billions of dollars worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing film series in history. Kilcher's legal action highlights broader issues regarding the use of likenesses without consent and compensation.
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