Alexander Payne Dismisses 'The Holdovers' Plagiarism Allegations

Director criticizes media coverage and insists the accusations lacked merit, citing inspiration from a 1935 French film.

Payne labeled the plagiarism claims as 'stupid' and criticized Variety for irresponsible reporting.
The accusations were made by 'Luca' co-screenwriter Simon Stephenson, who claimed the script was copied from his 2013 screenplay 'Frisco'.
Payne asserts that 'The Holdovers' was inspired by Marcel Pagnol's 1935 film 'Merlusse', not Stephenson's work.
Despite the controversy, 'The Holdovers' received five Oscar nominations, including Best Original Screenplay.
Payne is collaborating with 'The Holdovers' screenwriter David Hemingson on a new Western film.