Martin Scorsese and his production company, Sikelia Productions, have reached a settlement in a lawsuit where they were accused of failing to fulfill a $1 million deal to executive produce a World War II movie. The lawsuit, brought by U.K.-based production company Op-Fortitude, alleged that Scorsese accepted a $500,000 initial payment to assemble an all-star cast for Operation: Fortitude but did not deliver on his commitments.
According to the lawsuit filed last year, Op-Fortitude and LBI Entertainment had entered into an agreement in 2021 for Scorsese to handle casting, production, and postproduction of the film. It was understood that Scorsese himself would be directly involved in the project, rather than his managers, as a separate deal had already been made in 2020 for other film-related services.
The complaint stated that despite more than fifteen months passing since the agreement was signed, Scorsese had not performed any work related to casting, production, or post-production, nor had he engaged in any other project-related activities. When Op-Fortitude terminated the deal, Scorsese and Sikelia allegedly refused to return the initial deposit.
The lawsuit claimed breach of contract and sought punitive damages, asserting that Op-Fortitude missed out on financing opportunities due to Scorsese's alleged failure to uphold his end of the agreement. The film in question explores a strategic mission crucial to the course of World War II.
The settlement between the parties is subject to certain conditions to be fulfilled within 45 days, with specific terms remaining undisclosed. Scorsese, known for directing acclaimed films such as 'The Wolf of Wall Street' and 'Killers of the Flower Moon,' has not yet commented on the resolution of the lawsuit.
