Creed Filmmakers Face Copyright Lawsuit

A screenwriter is suing the makers of ‘Creed,’ on grounds that he came up with the idea first.

Well - we’d have thought if anything, Sylvester Stallone would be the one who came up with it first given he created Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed… but let’s hear the details first.

The Wrap reports that writer Jarrett Alexander filed a lawsuit in the New Jersey Superior Court last month, naming MGM, Sylvester Stallone, director Ryan Coogler and others involved in the acclaimed ‘Rocky’ spin-off.

Alexander claims he had written an original screenplay entitled ‘Creed: Rocky Legacy,’ based around the same essential premise as ‘Creed:’ the son of Rocky’s late opponent entering the ring under Rocky’s tutelage.

Alexander says he had attempted to pitch the project to Sylvester Stallone and other producers associated with the ‘Rocky’ series, with whom he shared links to his website detailing his ideas.

The writer argues that the concept of legacy, on which ‘Creed’ was largely sold, was pivotal to his script, and that it also would have seen Creed’s son battle a Russian fighter - which Stallone has since suggested might happen in a ‘Creed’ sequel.

In a joint statement, MGM, Warner Bros and New Line Cinema dismiss Alexander’s claims as “baseless and an ill-advised attempt to profit from the work of others. Creed is based on characters from the ‘Rocky’ films that are indisputably protected by our copyright.

“The incredibly talented director, writers and producers who revitalized these beloved characters and created the story for ‘Creed’ deserve full credit for their originality and hard work.

“We will vigorously defend this meritless lawsuit and hold Mr. Alexander accountable for filing it.”

Picture Credit: MGM/Warner Bros

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