“Avengers” director Joss Whedon and film studio Lionsgate are named in a lawsuit alleging copyright infringement by the 2012 movie “The Cabin in the Woods.”
Peter Gallagher, author of 2006 novel “The Little White Trip: A Night in the Pines,” claims the movie, which Whedon co-wrote and produced, is
“virtually identical” to his book in many ways, The Wrap reported.
Gallagher claims damages “equal or exceed $10 million,” The Wrap said.
“Like the book, ‘Cabin in the Woods’ tells the story of five friends (three guys and two girls) between the ages of 17 and 22 who take a trip to a remote cabin in the woods. The cabin’s previous inhabitants were murdered by the father of the family, who returns to terrorize the group of friends,” the lawsuit claims.
“In the end, it is revealed that the friends are being filmed and manipulated by persons behind the scenes, thus becoming inadvertent characters in a real-life horror show for the enjoyment of others.”
The lawsuit also points out similarities in the names and personalities of the characters.
Director and co-writer Drew Goddard and
Whedon's Mutant Enemy production company also are named in the lawsuit, The Hollywood Reporter said.
Gallagher self-published the novel and sold it near where the defendants reside, The Hollywood Reporter said.
The movie made $66 million at the box office and had a $30 million budget.
Whedon's "Avengers: Age of Ultron" is set to open in theaters May 1.