LOS ANGELES (AP) — The estate of the late Michael Crichton, the renowned author and creator of popular works like “Jurassic Park” and “Westworld,” has initiated legal action against Warner Bros. Television, raising allegations of copyright infringement and unauthorized use of intellectual property.
According to the lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, Crichton’s estate, led by his widow Sherri, has accused Warner Bros. of developing a new medical drama series titled “The Pitt” without obtaining proper consent. The upcoming show is said to be a rebranded version of an unauthorized reboot that borrows heavily from the premise of the iconic medical drama “ER,” a series initially penned by Crichton.
Despite failed negotiations between the two parties on producing a reboot of “ER,” Warner Bros. proceeded with the development and production of “The Pitt,” centering around a medical drama set in Pittsburgh and featuring former “ER” star Noah Wyle in a prominent role. Additionally, the new series will involve former “ER” alums John Wells and R. Scott Gemmill in key behind-the-scenes roles.
In response to the lawsuit, Warner Bros. Television issued a statement refuting the claims, asserting that “The Pitt” is an original show and vowing to vigorously defend against the allegations. The legal dispute stems from a provision in Crichton’s contract that granted him exclusive rights to the “ER” franchise, prohibiting any unauthorized sequels, remakes, or spinoffs without his or his estate’s consent.
The lawsuit further highlights Warner Bros.’ alleged attempt to sideline Crichton’s involvement in derivative projects, such as downgrading his credit in a series based on “Westworld.” The estate is seeking an injunction to halt production on “The Pitt,” along with punitive and compensatory damages to safeguard Crichton’s creative legacy and protect his intellectual property rights.
As the legal battle unfolds, the case underscores broader concerns about intellectual property rights in the entertainment industry and the challenges creators and their estates face in safeguarding their works from unauthorized use and exploitation. The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for future adaptations and reboots based on established intellectual properties.