Big hits, bitter battles: From ‘Batman’ & ‘Lord of the Rings’ to ‘Watchmen’
‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’
Who felt slighted? Producers
The charge: Nearly five years after the $5-million indie film turned into a $370-million hit, producer Hanks, his wife and the film’s writer and star filed a lawsuit last summer against the film’s financiers, claiming they hadn’t seen their fair share of the profits. According to the Wall Street Journal, the defendant, Gold Circle Films, claimed the film had only earned $287 million in profits and said the lawsuit was without merit. (Sophie Giraud / Associated Press)
‘Passion of the Christ’
Who felt slighted? Co-screenwriter Benedict Fitzgerald
The charge: In February 2008, Fitzgerald filed a lawsuit against the film’s director and producer Mel Gibson, charging Gibson with fraud, breach of contract and unfair business practices. Gibson’s film, which was largely financed by the director himself, grossed an estimated $600 million worldwide, but Fitzgerald claims he was only paid $75,000 for his work and only after he agreed to share writing credit with Gibson, according to MSNBC. (Philippe Antonello / Associated Press)
