Is writing movie Sequel illegal?

Question by east_texas_man75: Is writing movie Sequel illegal?
I submitted a movie script on Triggerstreet.com called “Airplane 3; Highjackers on a Plane” which follows the early 80 Airplane movies. One of the community members of Triggerstreet said that it was illegal for me to write a sequel without permission and to post it. But I believe this is not true. I have read many sequels from people that never got produced. I think it only becomes legal I tried to sell it or make the movie, at that point I would need movie rights permission. Someone tell me if I am wrong here. Now, if push came to shove, all I would have to do is remove the title “Airplane 3” because the film doesn’t have the same characters…its just a bunch of funny stuff on an Airplane…….but I think I am right in that Paramount doesn’t care unless I actually tried to make the movie or sell it without gaining movie rights….just having a script shouldn’t be an issue.

Best answer:

Answer by charlestmn1
having or writing a script of a movie sequel isn’t a problem (that’s how most movie sequels are done – you don’t think the same person writes all the parts of a movie franchise do you?). the problem comes with distribution and posting it online. there could be copy write and trademark infringements that you haven’t considered that could be indictable by a movie company.

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