While the new Conjuring universe may be continuing to expand, Warner Bros. may be in hot water. They have been hit with a massive lawsuit.
In 1980, Gerald Brittle penned ‘The Demonologist’ for Ed and Lorraine Warren. Part of the deal between Brittle and the Warrens was that any future films that featured the events in the book had to have his approval before being made.
In 2013 Warner Bros. and New Line released The Conjuring that went on to be a massive hit. The follow up centered on the Enfield Poltergeist, both stories were part of the book deal. The Conjuring and The Conjuring 2 has gone on to spawn 3 spin-offs, Annabelle, The Nun, and The Crookedman, and 2 more sequels, Annabelle: Creation and The Conjuring 3 which is now in the works.
You would think that everyone involved is raking in the money, but you would be wrong. Somehow, Brittle was forgotten about. Now, he is taking the studios to court. He is claiming that not only was he not rightfully compensated, he believes that they willingly ignored the original deal and has trampled on his copyright of the material.
In an attempt to have the case thrown out Warner Bros. claimed that The Conjuring and The Conjuring 2 are based on true events. The judge paid them no mind.
THR posted the following piece from his statement.
The Court declines to the parties’ invitation to wade into the truth or falsity of the Warren’s paranormal escapades or to parse the resulting similarities between between the works at this stage of the case. This type of analysis, which bears on evidence presented and factual determinations, is better suited for summary judgement trial.”
The case will move forward with a trial date set for April 16 in Virginia with almost a billion (Yes, you read that right, a billion!) dollars at stake, $900 million to be exact. Warner Bros. may have to attempt to prove just how much of the stories are actually real, which should be interesting.
If you are interested in more tales from the Warrens’ investigations be sure to check our exclusive interview with John Catapano, who joined the Warrens on two investigations whose details have never before been heard, until now.
