Los Angeles – The upcoming remake of “Road House,” starring Jake Gyllenhaal, is facing significant obstacles prior to its release. Screenwriter R. Lance Hill has filed a lawsuit against MGM Studios and its parent company, Amazon, alleging copyright infringement and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to bypass a deadline set by actors’ and directors’ guild agreements.
According to court documents obtained by Fox News Digital, Hill and his attorney, Marc Toberoff, claim that Amazon and MGM violated Hill’s rights under the Copyright Act by ignoring his request to regain ownership of his original “Road House” script. Hill had transferred the copyright to the studio United Artists in 1986, who then produced the film in 1989.
Hill’s lawsuit alleges that Amazon, which now owns the rights to “Road House” through its acquisition of MGM’s film library, proceeded to produce a remake of the film despite Hill’s copyright claim. The lawsuit further contends that Amazon used AI technology during the 2023 strike of the Screen Actors Guild to replicate the voices of the actors in the remake, in violation of collective bargaining agreements.
As a result, Hill is seeking recovery of his copyright to the screenplay and an injunction to halt the release of the remake. In response, an Amazon MGM spokesperson stated that the lawsuit is without merit and that the film does not use AI in place of actors’ voices.
The upcoming “Road House” remake has also been marred by a dispute between the film’s director, Doug Liman, and Amazon/MGM over its release strategy. Liman has boycotted the film’s premiere at the South by Southwest (SXSW) film festival, criticizing Amazon’s decision to exclusively release the film on its streaming platform rather than in theaters.
While Liman claimed that Amazon promised to support theatrical releases when he signed on to direct the film, Amazon has since prioritized streaming, causing frustration among filmmakers and actors involved in “Road House.” The dispute reflects the ongoing shift in the film industry as streaming platforms gain prominence and traditional theatrical releases become less common.
The legal case surrounding the “Road House” remake and its director’s boycott highlights the complex dynamics between filmmakers, studios, and streaming platforms. As AI technology continues to evolve and new models for film distribution emerge, the industry is grappling with how best to navigate these changes while protecting the rights and creativity of creators. The outcome of the lawsuit and the ongoing debate over release strategies could shape the future of the industry for years to come.
“Road House” is scheduled to be released on Amazon’s Prime Video on March 21.