Los Angeles Superior Court recently denied a motion as of Thursday afternoon to dismiss screenwriter Lee Goldberg’s lawsuit against Boomtown Media Partners and Fast Charlie Nola LLC over a dispute regarding credits for the upcoming crime drama, Fast Charlie, which marks the late James Caan’s final film. The judge ruled that the case did not infringe on the defendants’ First Amendment rights, allowing the lawsuit to proceed.
Goldberg, along with his company Adventures in Television, has accused the production companies of breach of contract and is seeking declaratory relief. The lawsuit claims that Goldberg entered into a written contract with Boomtown Media in March 2021, granting him the option to acquire the motion picture, television, and ancillary rights to Gun Monkeys, a screenplay based on Victor Gischler’s Edgar Award-nominated novel.
According to the suit, Goldberg was entitled to receive all monies due to his company if a film based on Gun Monkeys was made, along with credits in the main titles, home video packaging, and other areas. However, Goldberg alleges that despite the production of Fast Charlie being based on his screenplay, he has not been paid the agreed-upon purchase price, nor has his company been given the opportunity to make revisions to the script.
While Fast Charlie, directed by Phillip Noyce and starring Pierce Brosnan as the lead character Charlie Swift, has completed filming in New Orleans, it has yet to be released. In response, Goldberg and his company are seeking a preliminary injunction to prevent the defendants from distributing the film until a determination is made regarding their rights to writing and co-producer credits. The lawsuit also seeks compensatory damages.
The ensemble cast of Fast Charlie includes Gbenga Akkinagbe, Morena Baccarin, and Toby Huss. Richard Wenk has a screenwriting credit, while Daniel Grodnik and Mitchell Welch serve as producers. Notably, the film marks the final performance of James Caan, who passed away on July 6 at the age of 82. Caan was widely recognized for his roles in films such as The Godfather, Thief, and Brian’s Song.
As the legal battle unfolds, the industry awaits further developments on the fate of Fast Charlie and the resolution of Lee Goldberg’s claims. The outcome of this lawsuit may have implications for the recognition and rights of screenwriters in the filmmaking process.
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