Justin Timberlake And Amanda Seyfried's Hit Sci-Fi Movie Was Sued By A Legendary Author

Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried aren't names typically synonymous with science fiction. The former is a pop star best known recently for his voice role in DreamWorks' "Trolls" franchise, and the latter built her career on romantic comedies, though she's increasingly moved into thrillers and horror. However, the two starred in the 2011 sci-fi dystopian "In Time." While the movie did well at the box office, earning nearly $140 million worldwide against a $40 million budget, it's remembered for a copyright lawsuit filed by speculative fiction author Harlan Ellison. 

In the film's world, time is the primary currency, tracked via a counter on everyone's arm, with death occurring when the clock strikes zero. In this scenario, people theoretically live until they are 26, with the last year of their life serving as the countdown to the end. However, time can be sold and shared, giving the rich the potential for immortality. Timberlake is Will, a factory worker who learns about time hoarding, while Seyfried is Sylvia, a more affluent woman he meets while gambling.

The idea of time as the currency of the future is interesting, and other creatives have played with it. Ellison released a short story in 1965 that focuses on time-based lives. In "'Repent, Harlequin!' Said the Ticktockman," everyone has to follow the schedule set for them, or face the consequences. Both "In Time" and the short story use time as a divisive force, with the author's work taking a more oppressive approach. 

In September 2011, one month before the movie's release, Ellison sued director Andrew Niccol and production company New Regency Productions, concerned that "In Time" stole his premise without proper credit. At the time, a different adaptation of the author's story was in the works, and he worried Niccol's project would affect it. In his lawsuit, Ellison sought an injunction against the film's release and all profits made. 

However, the lawsuit never made it to trial. In November 2011, the author dropped it after seeing the flick. While Ellison did not confirm his reasons for dismissing it, The Hollywood Reporter writer Eriq Gardener speculates that he did so because the movie had poor reviews, with a 38% on Rotten Tomatoes at the time, whereas other lawsuits he filed were for adaptations with more positive reactions. Regardless of the reason, "In Time" is now remembered for the near-legal trouble rather than its negative rating.