The Britannia Television Show: A £6.5M Lawsuit and Allegations of Idea Theft

The historical fantasy drama Britannia, which aired for three seasons on Sky and Amazon Prime Video, is facing a significant legal challenge. Writer Benjamin Crushcov has filed a £6.5 million ($8.5 million) lawsuit in the UK High Court, alleging that his original script and idea were stolen by Sky, Vertigo Films, and journalist Karen Hyland.

The Lawsuit and its Central Claims

Crushcov claims that Britannia, starring David Morrissey, bears “numerous striking similarities” to his own script, Tribus, which he developed in 2014 while studying at Bath Spa University. He alleges that Hyland, a former television writer, obtained a copy of Tribus in 2016 and passed it on to James Richardson, co-founder of Vertigo Films, the production company behind Britannia. The lawsuit contends that Sky and the other defendants not only misappropriated Crushcov’s work but also conspired to conceal the show’s true origins. Britannia was greenlit by Sky in 2016, two years after Crushcov completed Tribus.

Defendants Deny Allegations and Cite Timeline Discrepancies

Sky, Vertigo Films, and Hyland have issued a joint statement denying the claims, asserting that they are “without basis.” They maintain that they were unaware of Crushcov’s script until he contacted them with his complaint. Sky’s investigation into the matter concluded that the final treatment for Britannia was completed in 2013 by co-creator Terry Cafolla, before Crushcov’s script was written. A final draft of the first episode was purportedly submitted in April 2016, with Jez and Tom Butterworth further developing the project. Sky insists that Richardson never saw Crushcov’s script and has never met Hyland.

Supporting Evidence and Conflicting Accounts

Crushcov’s claim includes a detailed schedule outlining specific similarities between character names, plot lines, and themes in Tribus and Britannia. He also cites a 2020 interview with Jez Butterworth, in which Butterworth discusses restarting the Britannia project from scratch due to creative differences. Crushcov argues that his work was misappropriated during this period of redevelopment. Further support for Crushcov’s allegations comes from Robin Mukherjee, an EastEnders screenwriter who mentored him at university. Mukherjee has stated that the resemblances between the two scripts are “too many and too exact” to be coincidental.

Seeking Damages, Compensation, and a Public Apology

Crushcov is seeking £6.5 million in damages and compensation, which includes alleged lost earnings and writer/creator fees. He is also demanding a public apology from the defendants. The case raises important questions about intellectual property rights in the television industry and the process of developing original content. The legal battle is ongoing, and its outcome will likely have significant implications for all parties involved. The case continues to highlight the challenges faced by emerging writers in protecting their work and getting their voices heard within the competitive landscape of television production.

The Future of Britannia

While the lawsuit unfolds, the future of Britannia remains uncertain. Deadline announced the show’s cancellation in 2023 after its third season. Whether the legal dispute will impact any potential revival or future projects related to the Britannia franchise remains to be seen. The lawsuit serves as a reminder of the complex legal issues surrounding creative ownership in the entertainment industry.