The creator behind AMC's hit TV series "The Walking Dead" is suing the cable network, claiming that cable execs cheated him out of 10 of millions of dollars from the hit zombie series, according to a new lawsuit filed Tuesday in Manhattan Supreme Court.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Frank Darabont, who adapted the popular comic book series in 2010, worked as the series showrunner until the end of season one, when he was reportedly fired over budget concerns.
The Oscar-nominated writer-director's, lawsuit accuses the cable network of "breach of contract and withholding millions of dollars in profits." from him and his management firm, Creative Artists Agency. Darabont said the network owes him for "unpaid licensing revenue."
"Darabont is being deprived of tens of millions of dollars in profits, despite delivering to AMC the most popular show on all of television and the most popular show in the history of cable," the complaint read.
The lawsuit does not seek a specific amount in damages, but Darabont said the deal cost him up to 12.5 percent in profits. Darabont reportedly has not received any profits for developing the series.
"The sole goal of this sham transaction is to enhance the profits of the parent company by minimizing the revenues that go into the 'pool' of funds for the show's profit participants," the suit said.
Since Darabont's exit, two other showrunners, Glen Mazzara and Scott M. Gimple, have filled his position. "The Walking Dead" follows a sheriff's deputy as he tries to save survivors from flesh-eating zombies. The fourth-season premiere in October drew a record 16 million viewers. The show will return for the second part of Season 4 in February.
AMC, owned by AMC Networks Inc, is also home to the hit series "Mad Men" and "Breaking Bad".
