Steven Soderbergh’s latest film, “The Laundromat,” is one of the most anticipated titles arriving this fall. With an all-star cast that includes Meryl Streep, Gary Oldman, and Antonio Banderas, the filmmaker has created a project that aims to tackle the controversy surrounding the infamous Panama Papers scandal, while also entertaining the average viewer, which Soderbergh has consistently done throughout this career. However, as Netflix unveils a new trailer for the film, a lawsuit threatens to derail the release.
Yes, before we get to the lawsuit, it’s important to bring to your attention the release of a new trailer for the film, which is supposed to arrive on Netflix on October 18. The film follows the story of the aforementioned Panama Papers, which are the documents that linked many powerful people to a money-laundering scheme that involved the law firm of Mossack Fonseca. As you might imagine, the film doesn’t necessarily paint a nice picture of the firm, as it is allegedly responsible for all sorts of crimes.
When you make a film about a real-life law firm attempting to do bad things, you might as well expect a lawsuit at any moment. And thanks to Jurgen Mossack and Ramon Fonseca, the principals of Mossack Fonseca, that’s exactly what happened to “The Laundromat.”
The lawsuit filed by the gentlemen allege that Soderbergh’s film shows Mossack Fonseca in a terrible light and uses the firm’s logo without permission. The suit aims to halt the release of “The Laundromat.”
The lawsuit states, “Thus, while the Plaintiffs have no connection to Cartel murders or Russian gangster money laundering, an investigation into allegations made directly and/or innuendo in the movie, may subject Plaintiffs to unnecessary and unwanted legal attention.”
With only a few days left until “The Laundromat” arrives on Netflix, it’s unclear if this will stop or delay anything. However, it is a bit hilarious that the film about crooked lawyers is being sued by the very same lawyers.
Barring more legal action, it appears “The Laundromat” will indeed arrive on Netflix on October 18. You can watch the new trailer below.