This A+ Theory That ‘Three Billboards’ Copied A Mary-Kate & Ashley Movie Will Blow Your Mind

While debate over whether Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri deserves an Oscar persists, one argument missing from the discourse is that the film is suspiciously similiar to another movie that somehow missed out on a Academy Award: Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s Billboard Dad.

Billboard Dad was released in 1998, and twenty years on the story of two sisters who erect a billboard to find their father a girlfriend is no less iconic.

Clearly Three Billboards director and screenwriter writer Martin McDonagh is a fan too, taking a fair chunk of creative inspo from it, as pointed out by writer Jill Gutowitz.

In a Twitter thread Gutowitz went over the obvious parallels between the two films. It can’t be a coincidence.

Here’s everything you need to know:

As the Oscars draw near, I feel as though something needs to be said about the irresponsibility of Three Billboards. A thread:

— Jill Gutowitz (@jillboard) February 26, 2018

Martin McDonagh stole the plot of 'Three Billboards' from 1998 cinematic tour de force 'Billboard Dad,' in which Mary-Kate and Ashley repurpose a local billboard as a personal ad for their lonesome father. pic.twitter.com/83m2MKrc8B

— Jill Gutowitz (@jillboard) February 26, 2018

There are just too many similarities.

You might've been stunned by Frances McDormand's brutal portrayal of Mildred Hayes. Many people don't know this, but the character was actually inspired by MK & A's Tess & Emily Tyler, two bull-headed women who stopped at nothing in pursuit of righteousness for their bloodline. pic.twitter.com/0CiReCvnHN

— Jill Gutowitz (@jillboard) February 26, 2018

I've seen some very powerful and valid criticism of 'Three Billboards,' but I can't hold my tongue any longer: Mary-Kate and Ashley were the first women to erect a billboard demanding justice for a greater cause. pic.twitter.com/hVs5zKRmR9

— Jill Gutowitz (@jillboard) February 26, 2018

Gotta give credit where credit’s due.

I'm so glad we're finally telling stories about persistent, driven, complex women, but let's not forget the feminist warriors who blazed the trail for actresses like Frances McDormand. Thank you /Thread pic.twitter.com/g6PoMMMHiG

— Jill Gutowitz (@jillboard) February 26, 2018

I think we can all agree that we don’t need any more convincing.