September 16, 2011 
Seeking injunctions against films is all the rage these days. Back in May, a tattoo artist tried (and failed) to block The Hangover Part 2 from release after they used his artwork on their promotional materials without his permission. More recently, author Joe Quirk filed a suit against the makers of Premium Rush for stealing his idea.
Well amateurs, step aside and let a professional do their thing. Deadline reports legendary sci-fi author Harlan Ellison has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against studio New Regency in the hopes of halting the release of Andrew Niccol‘s new film In Time, which he believes has been cribbed from his novel Repent, Harlequin! Said the Ticktockman!
In Time stars Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried, and is set in a future where people stop aging at 25, and must purchase years if they wish to stay alive. Although it does not mirror exactly the plot of Repent!, the similarities – particularly in regards to the way time is a form of currency – are there.
Not only does Ellison want the film blocked, he is also seeking compensation. And he just might get it! Almost 30 years ago, he successfully scored a credit on The Terminator after claiming it was based on two episodes of Outer Limits that he wrote. Also helping his case: Ellison recently hired a third party to adapt his book into a screenplay, and was planning on pitching it to studios.
In Time is set for release late October in the U.S. and Australia (pending Ellison’s suit, of course).
I’d say so. Hope he has the $$ to battle the studio’s endless moneypool.