From TheWrap · Drew Taylor · · 50s
Michael Crichton Estate Lawsuit Over 'The Pitt' Heads to Jury Trial
Michael Crichton estate wins court battle against Warner Bros. over 'The Pitt' copying 'ER'.
In brief
Michael Crichton estate wins court battle against Warner Bros. over 'The Pitt' copying 'ER'. Michael Crichton estate claims 'The Pitt' violates frozen rights agreement with 'ER' by copying its 2020 reboot concept. Originally reported by TheWrap.
Court Ruling
The Court of Appeal upheld the Crichton estate's claim that 'The Pitt' violates frozen rights agreement with 'ER'.
“The order of the trial court denying the anti-SLAPP motion as to WBTV is affirmed.”
Lawsuit Claim
Sheri Crichton alleges Warner Bros. and 'The Pitt' creator R. Scott Gemmill used an 'ER' reboot idea from 2020 to make 'The Pitt'.
“The Crichton estates is asserting that 'The Pitt' 'is the 'ER' reboot they negotiated in disguise about as tricky as a pair of Groucho glasses.”
Frozen Rights Clause
The 1994 agreement froze 'ER' derivatives until mutual agreement between Crichton, Amblin and Warner Bros. was reached.
Similarities to 'ER'
The Pitt's 12-hour episode structure and character roles directly borrowed from 'ER' pilot written by Crichton.
In short
Michael Crichton estate claims 'The Pitt' violates frozen rights agreement with 'ER' by copying its 2020 reboot concept.
