The people behind the faith-based film “God’s Not Dead” might want to start praying.
Pure Flix Entertainment and its co-founder, David A.R.White, have just been slapped with a lawsuit over the 2014 hit — and the plaintiffs are asking for an ungodly sum.
In the lawsuit, filed in federal court in California on Monday, screenwriters Kelly Monroe Kullberg and Michael Landon Jr. claim that “God’s Not Dead” is a ripoff of their screenplay “Rise.”
According to the complaint, “Rise” tells the story “of a freshman at Harvard facing an environment hostile to her Christian faith.” he student then debates her professor three times on whether God exists.
The complaint notes numerous alleged similarities, stating, “The theme, set-up, opportunity, turning point, change of plans, complications, set back, final push, climax and aftermath of the ‘Rise’ screenplay and the ‘God’s Not Dead’ motion picture are the same.”
According to the suit, “God’s Not Dead” has drawn in more than $140 million worldwide, and Kullberg and Landon are looking for the lion’s share of it, seeking “an amount exceeding $100 million.”
A spokesman for Pure Flix has not yet responded to TheWrap’s request for comment.
Pamela Chelin contributed to this report.
11 Top Grossing Christian-Themed Movies Since 2004 (Photos)
"Chronicles of Narnia": The CGI-filled fantasy franchise and religious allegory took in nearly $1.6 billion over three films.
"Passion of the Christ": Mel Gibson's controversial Jesus biopic took in $611 million worldwide.
"Heaven is for Real": One of several surprise hits this year, the adaptation of the best-selling book has made $77 million.
"Son of God": A re-working of the hit History Channel mini-series "The Bible," this Burnett-Downey production has earned $59 million
"God's Not Dead": The little movie that takes on academic atheists has made $57 million this year, a major surprise to all.
"Soul Surfer": The inspirational tale of surfer Bethany Hamilton's faith-driven comeback from a shark bite made $43 million in 2011.
"The Nativity Story": Future "Twilight" director Catherine Hardwicke helmed this version of Jesus' birth, which made $46 million worldwide in 2006.
"Courageous": Prolific Christian filmmakers Alex and Stephen Kendrick made a movie about police officers who have to rediscover their faith in order to save their fracturing families. It earned $34 million.
"Fireproof": Another Kendrick production, this one starred Kirk Cameron as a firefighter and also made $34 million.
"One Night with the King": Peter O'Toole starred in this tanker, which made $13 million on a $20 million budget.
"The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything": There are few titles that are less enticing -- this promises no action -- but the religious VeggieTales brand helped this cartoon to a $13 million haul.
1 of 11
From Mel Gibson’s controversial ”Passion of the Christ“ to ”Son of God“ — here’s the biggest faith-drive box office hits
"Chronicles of Narnia": The CGI-filled fantasy franchise and religious allegory took in nearly $1.6 billion over three films.
