Los Angeles – The estate of acclaimed author and screenwriter Michael Crichton has filed a lawsuit against Warner Bros. Television regarding a dispute over an upcoming medical drama. The estate, led by Crichton’s widow Sherri, alleges that the television studio is producing a series that is essentially a rebranded version of an unauthorized reboot based on Crichton’s earlier work.
According to the lawsuit, after failing to reach an agreement with Warner Bros. to produce a reboot of the iconic medical procedural “ER,” the studio proceeded to develop and produce a new series without the estate’s consent. The upcoming show, titled “The Pitt,” is set in Pittsburgh and features actor Noah Wyle in a leading role, along with several former “ER” staff members working behind the scenes.
In response to the lawsuit, Warner Bros. Television has stated that “The Pitt” is a new and original show, refuting the claims made by the Crichton Estate. The studio intends to vigorously defend against the allegations put forth in the lawsuit.
Crichton, known for his successful works such as “Jurassic Park” and “Westworld,” had secured a “frozen rights” provision in his contract for “ER,” which prohibited Warner Bros. from developing any sequels, remakes, or spinoffs without his consent. The estate is seeking legal action to protect Crichton’s legacy and enforce the terms of the original contract.
The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, seeks an injunction to halt production on “The Pitt” and demands punitive and compensatory damages. It also alleges that Warner Bros. had previously attempted to diminish Crichton’s contributions to derivative works based on his creations, pointing to a pattern of crediting issues in the past.
Despite negotiations between Sherri Crichton and the studio, the dispute over credits and creative control led to the breakdown of talks, ultimately resulting in the development and announcement of “The Pitt.” The estate stands firm in its belief that the new series is essentially a version of “ER,” with key personnel and elements carrying over from the original show.
As the legal battle unfolds, the outcome of the lawsuit will determine the future of “The Pitt” and whether Warner Bros. will be held accountable for their alleged breach of contract with the Crichton Estate.