Hanks files big fat 'Greek' lawsuit

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 8 (UPI) -- Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson and Nia Vardalos are suing a Century City production company over profits from their hit 2002 film, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding."

Filed Monday in Los Angeles, the suit alleges producers Hanks, Wilson and Gary Goetzman, and writer-star Vardalos are still owed their percentage "share of net profits" by Gold Circle Films, which helped develop, finance and produce the movie, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday.

The suit was filed by various companies used by the four.

Although the movie cost about $5 million to make, it has reportedly grossed $370 million in theatrical sales.

However, people familiar with the case tell the Times, Gold Circle maintains the aggregate gross receipts -- including theatrical, pay television, cable and home video -- amount to $287 million.

Although no dollar amount is listed by the plaintiffs, they claim Gold Circle "has acted willfully, maliciously and in wanton disregard of plaintiffs' rights under the agreements."

However, Gold Circle Vice President Scott Niemeyer dismissed the allegations in a statement, maintaining it "lacks any merit and Gold Circle has met all requests from auditors and communicated and released documents to them."