The Charlie Sheen settlement with Warner Brothers Television that is apparently on the cusp of closing isn’t much of a legal settlement, from what I’m hearing.
According to a knowledgeable insider, the reported $25 million deal – which may or may not be the figure – is really made up mainly of money the actor is owed for back-end profits on “Two and a Half Men.”
That’s because Warner Brothers stopped paying Sheen back in March, when he was fired from the show. Regardless of that, Warner still owes Sheen about $800,000 an episode in back end fees. Sheen made about $1.2 million per episode up-front.
It’s unclear how many shows remained, though 16 episodes aired with Sheen out of 24 that had been ordered.
Also read: Charlie Sheen Nearing Settlement on 'Two and a Half Men' Suit
At the time of his firing, Warner executives were privately adamant that Sheen wouldn’t get another dime. Then Sheen sued Warner and show creator Chuck Lorre for $100 million.
I’m told the settlement – avoiding taking the case to arbitration – could take as long as a month to finalize.
Meanwhile, some in town were speculating that Sheen’s conciliatory remarks toward “Two and a Half Men” on the Emmy telecast was part of some settlement agreement.
I’m told that’s not at all the case.
“He just wants to get work in this town again,” said my insider.
And after that Comedy Central Roast, which performed better than expected, he may well do so.