Kung Fu Panda is a 2008 American 3D animation action-comedy film produced by DreamWorks Animation and distributed by Paramount Pictures. While many people may have enjoyed this film, it was surrounded by several issues and controversies. But do you know who Jayme Gordon is and why he tried to sue DreamWorks?
Jayme Gordon attempted to sue DreamWorks in 2011 after falsely claiming to be the creator of Kung Fu Panda. His evidence was shown to be faked from a 1996 Lion King coloring book during the trial. For fraud and perjury, he was sentenced to two years in jail.
What is the Plot of Kung Fu Panda?
Kung Fu Panda depicts the story of a panda bear named Po. He aspires to be a warrior, but pandas aren’t recognized for their combat abilities. When the fat bear is mistaken for a kung fu master, he is forced into the life he has desired since he was a child. The film was a huge commercial success. It spawned not just two sequels but also countless television shows and short films.
The series is essentially a sweet-hearted story about overcoming obstacles, dismissing naysayers, and pursuing one’s dreams. With a star-studded ensemble that includes Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, and numerous more well-known actors, the series appeals to both children and adults due to its family-friendly appeal and creative comedy. (Source: Cheat Sheet)
The Plagiarism Issue within Kung Fu
In 2011, Cartoon Brew reported on a lawsuit filed by a guy called Jayme Gordon against DreamWorks Animation SKG, which initially appeared to have some merit. Gordon said that he created a character similar to Po for his unpublished Kung Fu Panda comic series. While the concept may have originated with him, he was not copied.
Gordon shot himself in the foot by filing the case. The case ultimately found that Gordon drew the designs from a Lion King coloring book from 1996, which he claimed were from 1992. To make matters even worse, Gordon retaliated by saying that Disney had also stolen his concept. The whole thing was perfect for online jokes and memes.
Gordon was sentenced to five years, which was later reduced to two years due to fraud. He was also ordered to seek professional help at a psychiatric facility after making a series of odd statements. DreamWorks may have borrowed ideas from other places, but Gordon was not the one who came up with them. (Source: Cheat Sheet)
What Happened Following The Trial’s Conclusion?
DreamWorks supported its creators. After the court determined that they had done nothing illegal, they issued a statement defending their artists and stating that no plagiarism, no matter how little, is accepted under their banner. Gordon disappeared following his term, despite the fact that his sentence says that he is now out of prison.
Plagiarism is serious business, but imitating it might be much worse. DreamWorks stood by its creators and won one of the most strange cases in entertainment history, according to the Boston Globe. Now, perhaps the next person who tries a similar ruse will think things through before throwing their lives away. (The Conclusion)