In a statement obtained by TheWrap, Shanks dismissed the lawsuit as unfounded, calling the film a reflection of his “own lived experience.” He said the story—about a couple who wake up physically fused together, symbolizing co-dependency—was inspired by his 16-year relationship, which has been marked by “entanglement of identity, love and co-dependence.”
“It’s not just a script; it’s deeply personal,” said Shanks, who also explained that key plot elements—like the main character’s trauma over the loss of a parent and his struggles as a musician—were drawn from his life. “To have this called into question is not only deeply upsetting but entirely untrue.”
StudioFest filed the lawsuit in May, alleging Together copied plot points, dialogue, themes, and even visuals from Better Half. Their lawyer, Dan Miller, said, “The similarities between the two works are staggering and defy any innocent explanation.”
In response, Shanks provided a detailed timeline of the film’s development, asserting he completed the first draft in 2019 and registered it with the Writers Guild of America that year—well before StudioFest’s script was submitted to WME in 2020.
Supporting Shanks’ timeline, distributor Neon and WME accused the plaintiffs of “chasing headlines before the film’s release,” insisting Shanks alone created the story. Together, acquired by Neon for $17 million following its Sundance debut, is set for release on August 1, 2025.
Shanks concluded, “I stand by Together, its origins, and the years of work it took to make it real.”