The Matrix: 20 Things You Didn't Know
13. Is It A Rip-Off?
In 1986, Sophia Stewart claimed she sent her 35-page screenplay, The Third Eye, into a sci-fi contest hosted by the Wachowskis.
When she saw The Matrix 13 years later, the author filed a lawsuit, accusing the filmmakers of using her work as the basis for the movie's plot.
Although Stewart's screenplay does revolve around a machine uprising after a nuclear war decimates mankind, it has little resemblance to The Wachowski's work (Ancient Egypt and aliens play a big role).
In fact, The Matrix's plot and themes have more in common with The Terminator than The Third Eye, and speaking of which, Stewart also attempted to sue the filmmakers of The Terminator, claiming her work also inspired that franchise.
Some sources erroneously claim Stewart won her lawsuits but this isn't true. After Stewart failed to attend the hearing, her case was dismissed.