Vardalos, Hanks sue ‘Wedding’ producers
LOS ANGELES (AP) – Tom Hanks and Nia Vardalos have sued one of the producers of «My Big Fat Greek Wedding,» alleging they are still owed profits from the 2002 sleeper hit. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, seeks unspecified monetary damages and a full accounting of the profits. Vardalos, who wrote and starred in the film, and producers Hanks, his wife Rita Wilson and Gary Goetzman claim Gold Circle Films owes them their percentage «share of net profits.» The lawsuit also names Big Wedding Prods and Vortex Pictures as defendants. The lawsuit said the movie cost $5 million (-3.6 million) to make. It has grossed about $370 million (-268 million) in theatrical sales, according to Box Office Mojo, a tracking firm. According to the plaintiffs, Gold Circle maintains the film’s aggregate gross receipts total $287 million (-208.1 million). Scott Niemeyer, a principal at Gold Circle, has denied all claims in the lawsuit, which he labeled as «frivolous» and «completely without merit.»
