From Reuters: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/22/idUS100797172720120222

The infamous Corleone crime family has found itself in a legal jam -- but it has nothing to do with whacking anybody or leaving a horse's head in somebody's bed.

Paramount Pictures filed a lawsuit against Anthony Puzo, the executor of the estate of "The Godfather" author Mario Puzo last week, seeking to block the estate from publishing a "Godfather" sequel, "The Family Corleone," later this year.

In the papers, filed in federal court in Manhattan on Feb. 17, Paramount claims that it purchased the copyright to Puzo's classic in mobster literature in 1969, and is trying to "protect the integrity and reputation of The Godfather trilogy" by blocking the book's publication.

The studio claims in the suit that it authorized one "Godfather" sequel book, "The Godfather Returns," to be published by Random House in 2004, following Puzo's 1999 death. A second novel, "The Godfather's Revenge," was published in 2006 without Paramount's authorization, the lawsuit claims.

Paramount's lawsuit claims that "The Godfather's Revenge" "tarnished" the legacy of "The Godfather" and "in the process, also misled consumers into believing that ‘The Godfather’s Revenge’ was authorized by Paramount.

“The studio has tremendous respect and admiration for Mario Puzo, whose novel 'The Godfather' was acquired in 1969 and helped spawn one of the most celebrated film trilogies of all time," a spokeswoman from the studio told TheWrap. "We have an obligation to and will protect our copyright and trademark interests.”

Paramount is seeking damages from "The Godfather's Revenge," as well as temporary restraining order against publication of "The Family Corleone."

The studio claims that the Puzo estate is also planning to make unauthorized use of Paramount's "Godfather"-related trademarks to promote "The Family Corleone."

The Huffington Post reports that "The Family Corleone," which is expected to be released through Grand Central Publishing, will chronicle Vito Corleone's rise to power in the New York mob scene of the 1920s and '30s. Puzo reportedly outlined the story in a screenplay, which author Ed Falco -- author of the mob book "Saint John of the Five Boroughs" and, interestingly, the uncle of former "Sopranos" star Edie Falco -- is adapting for the book.

Grand Central Publishing, which is expected to publish "The Family Corleone," and Paramount Pictures have not yet responded to TheWrap's requests for comment.

This is the book that should be published and made into a feature film. Personally I am really looking forward to this novel. BTW - welcome, mtoppi!

Thanks Mark! I totally agree. This is the story that should be told. I have to wonder, though, if Paramount is protecting its' assets more so for the option of being able to produce more Godfather product themselves going forward.

Oh, yeah - it's gotta be the future earning potential, no doubt.

Here is more discussion on the topic . . .

http://www.gangsterbb.net/threads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=635965#Post635965

http://www.gangsterbb.net/threads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=602087#Post602087

If you can still find it, apparently the May 11 issue of Entertainment Weekly had a long, 2-page article about this...

‘Godfather’ Prequel Deal Made: Paramount And Puzo Estate Tell NYC Court Today

No suprises as you could see that coming from miles ahead.

If all the major players are happy with their terms it is a victory for us fans. As long as we get a major motion picture out of this I could not be happier. Fans are ready for some new Corleone stories on film! Bravo tutti!

Don't know if I would be that enthusiastic if a new movie was announced. Who would you cast? Who would direct? Don't think in a million years they'd get Coppola to do it.

Compared to part I and II, it's almost certainly going to disappoint, right? Maybe it's better to just let the trilogy be.

Casting would need to go back to the original formula... relative unknowns mixed in with a couple of heavy hitters. Seriously, Chopper - you wouldn't want to see a new movie made?

Of course, if the movie really comes, I will go see it the first night it comes out Mark . But, even part III was a big disappointment for me at the time. It's still a good movie, but not great like the others. And this time around, probably no Coppola, no Pacino, no Keaton etc. I don't really see how it could ever live up to its potential.

Vito's been played by two of the greatest actors of the 20th century. Who's going to play young Vito now? That's some tough casting ahead.

I very much agree with you. I don't want to see a Leonardo Di Caprio in a new Godfather film. And that's not because he's a bad actor but because he's way too famous. The fact that the original film had little known actors is what made it work so well. The first two films made Al Pacino and the rest legendary. If you want another one to succeed is by building on that very same concept.

The final(?) chapter...

Paramount, Mario Puzo Estate Settle 'Godfather' Lawsuit

Those writer contracts were ironclad back then. No way in hell was Paramount losing that one. But I did feel bad for Mario. Getting fleeced on the book to movie rights really stuck with him. His resentment towards both publishers and film companies was never more evident that in the book "The Last Don."

....just read the prequel book... definitely has potential. love the whole Sonny. Luca, Tom, and the Don angle...