Clive Cussler Sues Over Sahara Rewrite
Source: Variety
Friday, January 16, 2004
http://comingsoon.net/news.php?id=3037
Bestselling novelist Clive Cussler has sued Crusader Entertainment for
allegedly changing the Sahara screenplay without Cussler's consent in
spite of Cussler's script approval rights.
The complaint, filed in L.A. Superior Court on Thursday, seeks to
prevent Crusader from releasing Sahara and to end or limit Cussler's
relationship with Crusader, which is controlled by Philip Anschutz;
money damages are also sought.
According to the suit, Cussler and Crusader entered into an option
agreement in 2001 giving Crusader the right to purchase film rights to
some Cussler novels with Cussler retaining an unqualified right of
approval over the screenplays. The action alleges Cussler approved the
Sahara screenplay, which was altered subsequently without Cussler's
consent.
Sahara stars Matthew McConaughey, Penelope Cruz and Steve Zahn with
McConaughey playing secret agent, treasure hunter and explorer Dirk
Pitt. Breck Eisner is directing; production began late last year.
Cussler seeks a declaration that Crusader has no further rights under
the agreement, including the right to purchase film rights for $10
million in a third Cussler novel.
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