'My Big Fat' lawsuit

Hanks & company sue Gold Circle for profits

By JANET SHPRINTZ

Tom Hanks, his wife Rita Wilson, Nia Vardalos and producer Gary Goetzman have sued Gold Circle Films, which financed “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” claiming they are being cheated out of their fair share of the profits on the film.

According to the complaint, filed Monday in L.A. Superior Court, Hanks, Wilson and Goetzman claim that for their produc-ing services on the film, they are entitled to a share of net profits, and Vardalos is entitled to a share of gross profits. The complaint, which alleges breach of contract and fraud, seeks unspecified monetary damages and an accounting. Plaintiffs claim the participa-tion statements have been vague and inadequate and their attempts to conduct an audit have been thwarted.

“Greek Wedding,” which cost $5 million to make, became one of the most successful indie films of all time, with a worldwide box office of over $300 million. It also has spawned an extraordinary amount of litigation. Production company MPH Entertain-ment sued Vardalos, Gold Circle and co-financier HBO for profit participation in 2003. Vardalos also was involved in a long-running litigation with her management company, Marathon Entertainment, over fees.