Russians Claim Avatar Rips Off Soviet Sci-Fi

Avatar has prompted cries of plagiarism from Russians who say similarities between the 3D blockbuster and the Soviet-era works of the Arkady and Boris Strugatsky are more than just coincidence. James Cameron's movie and the Strugatsky brothers' World of Noon cycle of sci-fi novels both take place in the 22nd century on lushly forested worlds named Pandora, note Russian critics.

Some argue that Avatar's Na'vi race is strongly reminiscent of the Nave race in the brothers' books. James Cameron rejects accusations that his movie owes anything to the Strugatskys, whose work sold millions and was widely seen as a thinly veiled satire of the Communist system. The surviving Strugatsky brother, Boris, isn't among the complainers. He says he hasn't seen Avatar, yet but shrugs off any suggestions of similarities between Avatar and his creation.
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