Jim and John Thomas, the writers of the 1987 film Predator, are suing Disney for the movie rights. The science fiction action film has become a classic in the decades since its release. Predator features Arnold Schwarzenegger as Major Alan "Dutch" Schafer, the leader of a specialized team that works to save hostages in a rainforest. However, along the way, Dutch and his comrades face the Predator, a terrifying alien who tracks them throughout their mission.
Predator wound up spawning a full-fledged franchise, which includes sequels, novels, video games, and a crossover series in Alien vs. Predator. The Thomas brothers returned for Predator's first follow up movie, Predator 2, which came out in 1990. However, they weren't a part of the more recent third and fourth installments in the franchise, Predators (2010) and The Predator (2018). A Predator reboot has been in the works for some time, with 10 Cloverfield Lane director Dan Trachtenberg leading the project. However, that movie now faces a potential roadblock.
Per THR, the Thomas brothers have filed a lawsuit against Disney, who acquired the Predator franchise through its purchase of 20th Century Fox. The Thomas brothers are now looking to take advantage of copyright law's termination provision, which may let them cancel the transfer. This is coming up now because authors are required to wait a certain period of time, likely 35 years in the case of Predator. In response, Disney's 20th Century has filed a suit of its own in hopes of holding onto the rights to the franchise.
Considering Disney is hoping to make Predator 5 and likely future installments in the franchise as well, it makes sense it's looking to hang on to the rights. Predator is a hugely recognizable property and was a big success for Fox. Due to the timing of the acquisition, Disney hasn't yet benefited too much from the franchise, and now the company is looking to rectify that.
Of course, it's understandable the Thomas brothers are interested in reclaiming the rights. They're the masterminds behind Predator, so it's only logical they still have a vested interest in the property and its future. Though a massive company like Disney may have more power behind it and thus be more likely to win the rights, copyright cases aren't always so cut and dry. The screenwriters may very well stand a chance. However, with the Predator reboot on the line, it seems likely Disney will do everything it can to come out victorious.
Source: THR