Since he first debuted on television back in 1985, brainy super agent MacGyver has used his wits and uncanny scrounging abilities to defuse dozens of explosive situations. But now he faces his stiffest fight yet in the most unexpected arena of all: the court of law. That's because, according to the Hollywood Reporter, 'MacGyver' creator Lee Zlotoff is preparing legal action against Relativity Media to prevent its parody film 'MacGruber' from hitting the big screen. 'MacGruber,' which stars comedian Will Forte in the title role, began as a 'Saturday Night Live' skit and previously spawned a series of popular Pepsi commercials.
But for Zlotoff and his lawyers, there's a big difference between a 30-second ad and a feature film. The real sticking point: Zlotoff retains the film rights to 'MacGyver' and is currently developing a movie with New Line based on the popular TV series, a project that some feel could be compromised by the unique circumstance of having the parody version hit theaters before the property it is spoofing.
"We feel they're infringing our rights," Zlotoff's lawyer, Paul Mayersohn, told the Hollywood Reporter. But while its possible the courts could rule in Zlotoff's favor if they decide 'MacGruber' damages the 'MacGyver' brand, other Hollywood legal experts aren't so sure.
"There's a broad right to parody, and in this instance it's clearly parody," said Alonzo Wickers, an entertainment lawyer who specializes in First Amendment law. "I don't think a viewer will believe the 'MacGyver' folks authorized this."
Perhaps because of the difficulty in convincing a court that 'MacGruber' falls outside the lines of fair use, Zlotoff and New Line haven't yet filed legal action, though their attorneys have presented Relativity Media with cease and desist orders in preparation for possible litigation.
With 'MacGruber' slated for an Apr. 23 release date, though, the countdown has begun for this explosive situation. The question now is, will it be defused 'MacGuyver'-style? Or will it, like the ticking bombs in 'MacGruber,' blow up in everyone's face?
Reader Comments (7)
Sondra at 9:05PM on Feb 3rd 2010
C'mon. MacGruber is funny. I was a faithful MacGuyver watcher back in the '80s. It's just paying a tribute.
verbatim at 6:40AM on Feb 4th 2010
go mcgruber!
drakkon at 8:26AM on Feb 4th 2010
I see, so you wait until just before the film is to be released, then you spring your law suit. Instead of suing for it to be stopped months ago, you wait until the studio has already spent all the money so they are more likely to settle with you quickly. Ahh, American justice at its best.
kirk at 8:29AM on Feb 4th 2010
Man, that movie looks awful... was that Val Kilmer in there? His career must really be in the toilet!
cee at 10:06AM on Feb 4th 2010
If he thght it was infringement he would have sued SNL when it started the spoofs.
Linda E at 8:59AM on Feb 4th 2010
I don't think Zlotoff has to worry. The trailer was
pretty bad. MacGruber for a 7 minute skit, maybe
once. But for a feature movie, not if your over 12.
MacGrueber Fan at 9:47AM on Feb 4th 2010
I would love to see this flick! And I would also like to see a real MacGuyver flick as well. Zlotoff really needs to lighten up. Even Richard Dean Anderson has taken part in MacGrueber skits and admitted that he tought is was all great fun. So, what is wrong with a parody flick? Zoltoff needs some serious medication and lighten up...