'Stranger Things' original creator story is strange in itself

By: Alex Temple - MSTv Staff writer

Consider yourself a fan of the 'Twin Peaks meets X-Files' Netflix phenom, 'Stranger Things?'  Well, it seems that series creators, Matt and Ross Duffer, may not have pulled the idea from their beloved 1980's iconic memories.  The Duffer brothers may be facing a lawsuit for allegedly stealing the idea from a writer the duo collaborated with in 2014.

Charlie Kessler, a screenwriter, is filing suit against the brothers based on an implied breach of contract. Kessler's attorney claims his client pitched the Duffers a concept for a sci-fi story, set near an abandoned military base, at a party for the 2014 Tribeca Film Festival. Kessler claims 'Stranger Things' is based on a short film of his and full script called 'Montuak' and 'The Montauk Project.'  Both the film and extended script are based on, "various urban legends, paranormal and conspiracy theories."

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Kessler's attorney, Michael Kernan stated:
"After the massive success of Stranger Things, the defendants have made huge sums of money by producing a series based on my client's concepts."

Kessler is seeking a judgement in which the Duffer brothers must cease using his concepts, destroy all materials based on those ideas, restitution, lost profits and punitive damages.

But 'strangely' enough, Kessler's suit opened in wake of the massive salary re-negotiations with the show's cast, overall. Online show source network, Netflix and representatives for the Duffer brothers, both declined to comment on the complaint.

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