John Wick Franchise Faces $10 Million Copyright Lawsuit Over Story Claims

A lawsuit filed in California federal court accuses the John Wick franchise and associated parties of copyright infringement involving screenwriter J.R. Wicker's script. Wicker alleges that the blockbuster film and its sequel incorporated multiple story elements from his screenplay Blood for Escobar without authorization, demanding at least $10 million in profits from the films.

Copyright Lawsuit Details Against John Wick

The complaint names Lionsgate, producer Thunder Road Films, and screenwriter Derek Kolstad as defendants. It claims that John Wick and its sequel share numerous similarities with Blood for Escobar, centering on a widowed former assassin drawn back into the criminal underworld and embroiled in violent conflict with a secret professional assassin organization.

Specific allegations include a home invasion resulting in the protagonist’s pet being killed, the discovery of concealed weapons within the protagonist’s residence, and a significant confrontation occurring at a nightclub. The lawsuit also points to the presence of a vintage Ford Mustang, a character initially hired to kill the protagonist who later aids him, and a storyline where the assassin organization ultimately betrays the main character.

Allegations Against Screenwriter Derek Kolstad

The complaint references the screenplay Scorn, written by Kolstad and later developed into John Wick. Wicker’s legal team asserts that Kolstad “intentionally, blatantly, and without authorization, copied” material from Blood for Escobar during the project’s development. This lawsuit emerges amid evolving standards for copyright claims within the entertainment sector.

Lionsgate has not issued a statement regarding the lawsuit. The case is currently ongoing.