Paramount, the studio that owns It’s A Wonderful Life, has responded to Monday’s news that a sequel is being planned by two producers. The studio has vowed to fight the attempt, noting that they have not tried to strike a licensing deal.
On Monday, Star Partners’ Allen J. Schwalb and Hummingbird’s Bob Farnsworth told Variety that they are planning a sequel to the iconic 1946 film called It’s A Wonderful Life: The Rest of the Story. The news went viral as many fans of the film bemoaned the possibility of it coming to fruition.
However, Paramount stayed mum on the subject until today. While the film was in the public domain for a time, the studio now has the rights to it and has released it on home video. The studio sent a statement to the Associated Press, stating that a sequel can’t happen without their approval.
“To date, these individuals have not obtained any of the necessary rights, and we would take all appropriate steps to protect those rights,” the studio said.
Director Frank Capra’s son Tom Capra told the AP that his late father would find the idea of a sequel “ludicrous,” adding, “Then, I think we would have called his lawyer. Why would you even attempt to make a sequel to such a classic film?”
Farnsworth, who wrote the script to The Rest of the Story with Martha Bolton, did not respond to Paramount’s statement. He told THR Monday that he found the rights were in the public domain.
The producers hope to finish The Rest of the Story for the 2015 holiday season. They have the support of Karolyn Grimes, who played the youngest daughter of George Bailey (James Stewart). She said the famous line, “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings!” However, if Paramount has its way, those words won’t be said on the big screen again any time soon.
image: Wikimedia Commons
