Dreamworks caught up in King family fight over MLK biopic already?

// added May 20, 2009 // 5 comments //
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http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118003984.html?categoryid=13&cs=1

Really? A lawsuit one day after the announcement?

"Is DreamWorks' dream of bringing a Martin Luther King Jr. biopic to the bigscreen about to be shattered?

One day after Daily Variety reported that Steven Spielberg had gained full access to the King Estate for what would be the first-ever narrative feature about the slain civil rights leader, two of King's children are threatening legal action over the project.

Bernice King and Martin Luther King III have been embroiled in a legal battle with brother Dexter King, who is chairman-CEO of the King Estate, over who controls the personal papers of their late mother, Coretta Scott King. Bernice King told the Associated Press on Tuesday: "This is a deal that Mr. Spielberg and his people ... have entered into believing that they have the blessing of the King Estate. They don't have the blessings of Bernice and Martin King."

Still, DreamWorks insiders said they are confident that family infighting will not affect the project, which is in early development but is already garnering a great deal of interest from prospective writers and talent following the Daily Variety story.

Though he didn't address his siblings specifically, Dexter King released a statement on Tuesday evening saying he alone is in charge of granting access to his father's intellectual property. "The King Estate is committed to working very closely with DreamWorks (and producers) Suzanne de Passe and Madison Jones, whom we chose to create the first major motion picture on the life of Martin Luther King Jr. We hope that this will be the definitive film on his life and legacy. For over 15 years, I have had the honor of being the chief executive of the King Estate Corp. and am charged with the duties of managing my father's name, image, likeness, recorded voice, copyrighted works and rights of publicity.""
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5 comments // Dreamworks caught up in King family fight over MLK biopic already?

  • shirma3
    • 0
      shirma3  

    • This is indeed a story of monumental proportion, and should be portrayed on the Big Screen. Also it needs to be told with heart, soul and great respect for one of the Greatest Leaders of all time. This era in which we now live is perfect for it's unveiling.

      As for Fighting, unfortunately most Families do it, over small insignificent things to the Big Ones!. It's only when you're famous that the whole worlds knows about it.

    • 9 months ago
  • rahoskins
  • Joey_Vee
  • MissAmanda
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