In what can easily be described as today’s most bizarre news, Warner Bros. are reportedly trying to block Lee Daniels’ upcoming film, THE BUTLER, from using its current title on the grounds that they have the copyright for it due to their 1916 silent film of the same name. With the film set to be released in the US on 16th August, Warner Bros. are apparently deadly serious in getting The Weinstein Company to change the name of the film and it looks increasingly likely to end up with a court ruling.
The film is based on an article in the Washington Post called ‘A Butler Well Served By This Election’ and details the life of the White House butler, Eugene Allen, who is the basis for the lead character of Cecil Gaines in the film. The project will feature several different presidents played by a host of famour actors and has been touted as a possible Oscar candidate for next year.
What exactly is the underlying reason for Warner Bros. suddenly contesting the title is unknown but it sounds extremely petty and weird. I would expect some sort of agreement to be sorted out before the film’s release and I can hardly think that a court ruling would favour Warner Bros. in this case, but I guess crazier things have happened. THE BUTLER is set to be released on 16th August in the US with a UK date still pending, only time will tell if it will be under a new name.
THE BUTLER is directed by Lee Daniels. It is starring Forest Whitaker, David Oyelowo, Oprah Winfrey, Alan Rickman, Robin Williams, James Marsden, John Cusack, Liev Schreiber, Alex Pettyfer, Minka Kelly, Jane Fonda, Terrence Howard, Vanessa Redgrave & Melissa Leo. It will open in US cinemas on 16th August.
Source: Deadline
