Brazilian writers have filed a lawsuit against Netflix and two of its professionals, accusing the platform of plagiarism. João Paulo de Carvalho and Lídia Bueno de Oliveira Ribeiro claim that the film “Depois do Universo,” released in 2022 and starring Giulia Be, copied central elements from their book “Juilliard: A Arte do Amor.” The lawsuit, which gained traction in early January 2026, seeks a minimum compensation of R$ 100,000, plus lost profits and a public acknowledgment from the defendants. The case is significant because it challenges the creative practices of one of the world’s largest streaming platforms, especially after the film topped viewership rankings in Brazil.
According to the authors, the production allegedly plagiarized the narrative structure, characters, and dramatic twists of the literary work. In addition to Netflix, screenwriters Ana Carla Reber and Diego Henrique Dantas Freitas, who also served as the film’s director, are named as defendants. The writing duo presents dozens of elements to the court to prove what they call “structural plagiarism,” including public statements by the director that they consider “dubious” and revealing.
History of Disputes and New Demands
This is not the first time Lídia and João Paulo have sought legal redress. Since 2023, they have filed two lawsuits against the streaming giant, but the cases did not advance for various reasons. The current lawsuit, filed in 2025, appears to have more traction, with citations being served and procedural deadlines met in early this year. In addition to financial compensation, the authors demand that the defendants disclose the “true authorship” of the film, both on their social media and in the film’s opening credits.
Director Diego Henrique Dantas Freitas is known for other Netflix successes, such as the recent “Caramelo,” which adds a layer of notoriety to the case. Meanwhile, the streaming platform, which typically keeps legal proceedings confidential, has not yet publicly commented on the allegations. Thus, the outcome of this dispute could set an important precedent for Brazilian authors and the digital entertainment industry in Brazil.