Writers Sue Netflix for Plagiarism in After the Universe Film

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 “After the Universe,” released in 2022 and starring Giulia Be, copied core elements of their book “Juilliard: The Art of Love.” The lawsuit, which gained momentum in the first weeks of January 2026, seeks minimum damages of R$100,000, plus lost profits and a public retraction from the defendants. The case matters because it calls into question 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 directed the film, are named as defendants. The pair of writers presented dozens of points of comparison to the court to prove what they call “structural plagiarism,” citing public statements by the director that they consider “questionable” and revealing.

History of disputes and new demands

This is not the first time Lídia and João Paulo have sought redress in court. Since 2023, they have filed two lawsuits against the streaming giant, but the cases did not move forward for various reasons. The current lawsuit, filed in 2025, appears to have more traction, with summons served and procedural deadlines met early this year. Beyond financial compensation, the authors demand that the defendants disclose the “true authorship” of the film, both on their social media accounts and in the film’s opening credits.

Director Diego Henrique Dantas Freitas is known for other Netflix hits, such as the recent “Caramelo,” which adds a high-profile element to the case. Meanwhile, the streaming platform, which usually keeps quiet about lawsuits, has not yet commented publicly on the allegations. As such, the outcome of this dispute could set an important precedent for Brazilian authors and for the digital entertainment industry in Brazil.