In line with the e-book “Creepshows: The Illustrated Stephen King Film Information,” King did not even learn about “The Lawnmower Man” film till he noticed a poster for the movie — along with his title on it — in his native theater. And when he lastly noticed the finished movie, he wasn’t completely happy. King instructed the Los Angeles Instances, “It is the largest rip-off that you would think about as a result of there’s nothing of me in there. It simply makes me livid.” He added: “My title should not be on it … They’re inquisitive about exploiting me. My work is being strip-mined by the identical studio that gave us the Ninja Turtles.”
To be truthful, King’s title has been slapped on loads of crappy films. However this was taking issues too far. The movie had completely nothing to do along with his quick story, and but it was being marketed on his title. New Line Cinema, who distributed the movie, wasn’t even being coy in regards to the matter. As New Line CEO Bob Shaye was quoted as saying, “[King’s] title was crucial factor we had been shopping for” once they purchased the rights to the story.
King wasn’t having it. He went to court docket, suing to have his title faraway from the movie. And he gained: a choose dominated in King’s favor. A Second Circuit Courtroom of Appeals additionally dominated in King’s favor, though New Line might preserve a “based mostly on” credit score after paying the creator $2.5 million in damages. You’d assume that might be the tip of it, however later, New Line was discovered to be in contempt of court docket by holding King’s title on the house video launch of the movie. As soon as once more, King sued, and the studio must pay him $10,000 a day in the event that they did not take away the creator’s title.
Ultimately, King gained in court docket, however the harm was already accomplished. “The Lawnmower Man” film could have completely nothing to do with King’s work, however it can eternally be related to the famed creator. “Folks can say that is silly and that I am getting wealthy, however I do not really feel that means,” King instructed the Los Angeles Instances. “My title is my fortune and it is the one title I’ve acquired. I’ve acquired a minuscule proportion, however I will by no means see a cent. Take my phrase on it.”