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It's A Wonderful Life sequel plans run into trouble
Paramount aren't happy about it.
It looks like the sequel to Christmas classic 'It's A Wonderful Life' may have run into a spot of bother.
Paramount has released a statement which, in no uncertain terms, suggests they would block any plans for such a project.
A company called Hummingbird Productions announced this week that they would be forging ahead with a second chapter to the 1946 movie, starring Jimmy Stewart in perhaps his most iconic role.
[It's A Wonderful Life sequel in the works]
But Paramount had this to say about the plans:
“No project relating to 'It's A Wonderful Life' can proceed without a license from Paramount. To date, these individuals have not obtained any of the necessary rights, and we would take all appropriate steps to protect those rights.”
Well, this is awkward.
As awkward, perhaps, as the reception the plan has got from the general public and celebrities alike since its announcement.
Chat show host Jimmy Kimmel quipped: “I don't know if they have a title yet, but if not, I have a suggestion. I would call it 'It's a Terrible Idea'.”
[The most pointless movie sequels in development]
British comedian David Schneider added on Twitter: “Re 'Wonderful Life'. I'm sure when the hero sees how awful the town would've been without him the cinema's showing 'It's A Wonderful Life 2'.”
Allen J. Schwalb and Bob Farnsworth, the two who announced the project, had said that Karolyn Grimes, who played Stewart's character George Bailey's daughter in the film, was on board to star.
Farnsworth had told the Hollywood Reporter that he had not sought permission over rights, because the film, having been made in 1946, was now in the public domain.
It appears that may be the case for TV stations to broadcast it, as they have done liberally and with impunity for some time, but Paramount has owned rights for the past 14 years.
Director Frank Capra's family were also not especially happy about the plans.
Capra's son Tom told AP: “If he was still alive, he would have called it ludicrous. Then, I think we would have called his lawyer. Why would you even attempt to make a sequel to such a classic film?”
Check out a 'Saturday Night Live' skit on the classic below...
