Variety reports that the screenwriters of the original WHEN A STRANGER CALLS are suing Sony. Surprisingly it’s not for turning their fresh and interesting idea into a hugely crappy film. Nope, just boring legalese like cut out of the development and profit participation.
The writers, Stephen Feke and Fred Walton, allege that under a 1978 agreement with Simon Film, the producer was obligated to pay the pair additional compensation for any sequel, prequel or remake, with the amount to be determined by discussions and/or custom and practice. The duo allege that Simon violated the agreement in 2003 by not consulting with them when assigning the rights to Sony.
No surprise they’re suing for millions, but I’m not sure that’s enough money to be worth having your name associated with the remake.
So what’s Sony got to say about all this? Nada. They don’t comment on pending litigation. But I’ll bet they’re thinking, “Geez, who do these guys think they are? I’ve never even heard of them, and neither has my plastic surgeon…and he’s like 45 years old!”