Repping Crichton is Hueston Hennigan LLP, which has demanded a jury trial.
The show got a straight-to-series 15-episode order and will air on the Warner Bros Discovery streamer Max.
Deadline obtained a copy ofThe Pittpilot script, and the similarities toERare striking.
Michael Crichton, ‘ER’ and John WellsGetty Images/Everett
He is a seasonedERdoctor who has seen it all.
He and Spielberg share those blocking rights, and Crichtons rights transferred to his heirs when died.
Its not likeER, its not kind ofER, its not sort ofER.
That WBTV, Wells & Wyle tried to make anERsequel series is not in dispute.
Ensuing talks with WBTV quickly snagged.
The studio, per the lawsuit, then toughened its stance.
Per the suit, both Wyle and Wells emailed Sherri Crichton to lambaste WBTV.
And I think it was despicable.
Its stupid, thoughtless and counterproductive Michaels name on any show is a plus.
He has millions of fans who would have tuned in to a television adaptation of Michael Crichtons work.
Stupid, disrespectful and embarrassing.
How he impacted so many lives.
I loved Michael, Sherri, he was my friend.
We shared many, many wonderful times., I miss him.
The way this all went down has left me deeply saddened.
The negotiations were fraught with bullying and veiled threats.
Michael would be appalled.
And if the shoe were on the other foot John I feel confident you would be too.
As a practical business matter, the proposal Warner Brothers made was below market and thus unacceptable.
It also involved troubling self-dealing.
Bracing back and forth talks continued, some in back-channel capacities according to the suit.
They cratered when WBTV refused to guarantee Created By credit.
Shortly after, came the press release aboutThe Pitt.
