Bohemian Rhapsody was a $50 million budget that managed to gross $911 million globally. That’s a huge number. It was 2018’s sixth-highest-grossing film. The critics gave mixed reviews about it, but not fans. Well, it is pretty evident looking at the figures it scored at the box office! The movie was directed by Bryan Singer. The screenplay was by Anthony McCarten. Now why we mentioned Anthony McCarten is because recently, he filed a lawsuit against the production company over unpaid profits. Check it out:
Bohemian Rhapsody: Screenwriter Anthony McCarten Sues Production Company Over Unpaid Profits
The Bohemian Rhapsody’s screenwriter Anthony McCarten sues co-producer of Queen biopic, Graham King, and his company, GK Films. Anthony has accused them of breach of contract and eating up his share of the profits over the 2018 film. He filed the complaint in Los Angelos Superior Court on 10th November.
Anthony McCarten revealed that originally he had a deal with the company that he’ll receive 5% of GK Film’s take from the film. However, that wasn’t the case. Anthony mentioned that Fox and Disney acquired the film. Now, this move changed the definition of the deal. Due to this, Fox is arguing that due payments are determined by their “Defined Net Proceeds”, rather than GK Films. Leading to this, Anthony claims that he hasn’t gotten a percent from the deal.
McCarten did not agree to use Fox’s definition of net proceeds. He stated that as a practice, GK Films promises a large share in the profits of the film. They do this so that the artist works for a lesser fee initially. GK Films did pay McCarten the bonuses. But an accounting statement that Fox provided him in April 2019 showed him a $105 million loss. Another one of July 2021 showed a $51 million loss.
Anthony McCarten wishes to seek unspecified monetary damages, a ‘judicial declaration of the parties’ contractual rights and duties under his agreement with GK Films. Additionally, he seeks a full accounting of the film’s proceeds.
Who is right, who is wrong, time will tell. However, no artist should be deprived of the outcome of the input she/he gives. Everybody deserves the money they have worked hard for. But, the liar shouldn’t be spared too! Stay tuned for more updates.
