The 43-year-old actor has taken legal action against Emmett/Furla
Films, producers of the axed crime drama, which fell through last
summer when financial backing didn't work out, asking for damages due
to not receiving a penny of his promised wages.
The Scottish actor is alleging breach of contract and breach of
implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing because when he signed
up to play the lead in the film about a crook on a mission for
revenge, there was a "pay-or-play" clause.
Exploited Butler's attachment
This would entitle the actor - who claims he turned down other acting
work to appear in the movie - to $4m regardless of whether the film
got made, with up to an extra $2 million in compensation.
The lawsuit reads: "Seeking to capitalise on Butler's hugely popular
persona and worldwide recognition, Defendant solicited Butler's
services as the lead actor in a theatrical motion picture tentatively
entitled Motor City.
"After offering Butler the starring role in the motion picture on a
pay-or-play basis, Defendant then used and exploited Butler's
attachment to the motion picture to pre-sell the distribution rights
and raise financing."
However, attorney Rick Rosenthal, representing defendants Randall
Emmett and George Furla of Emmett/Furla Films, denied the Hollywood
star's claim and said there was no "legal liability".
He commented: "There is no written agreement between the parties and
there were still outstanding deal points that were material to the
deal that were not agreed upon.
"Everybody wishes the movie had gone forward, but they do not have any
legal liability."
Joel Silver was also a producer on the film while Warner Bros were set
to distribute, but neither party is named as a defendant in the suit.
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