Blow for Rebel Wilson in fight over embattled film

The production companies behind Hollywood star Rebel Wilson's directorial debut have secured a major win in blocking legal claims made about the beleaguered film in the US.

The Deb, a musical comedy filmed in rural NSW, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2024 but is yet to be released amid ongoing disputes between Wilson and her co-producers.

Those producers Amanda Ghost, Gregor Cameron and Vince Holden have sued the high-profile actor in California over allegedly defamatory claims she made publicly about them.

Her accusations include embezzlement, sexual harassment of the film's lead actor Charlotte MacInnes, bullying over the sexual misconduct claims and obstruction of the film's release.

The Pitch Perfect star hit back with her own extensive claims including allegations of a "troubling pattern of illicit egregious behaviours, including theft, bullying and sexual misconduct".

But most of her lawsuit in the US against the companies headed by her co-producers was shut down by the NSW Supreme Court on Monday.

"There is valid concern that not injuncting part of (Wilson's) cross-complaint risks conflicting findings or inconsistent judgments between the Californian and NSW courts," Justice Elisabeth Peden wrote in her judgment.

The blocked claims include allegations that Mr Cameron and Mr Holden embezzled $900,000 from the film's budget and Wilson was forced to sign contracts under duress.

However, the court upheld Wilson's ability to pursue other legal action in California.

The production companies are seeking damages and compensation for the actor's alleged breaches of contract, injurious falsehoods and misleading statements in the NSW Supreme Court.

Wilson has been paid over $1 million for her roles as actor, director and producer in the still unreleased film.

Barrister Sue Chrysanthou SC, for the production companies, previously argued the anti-suit injunction should be granted because the ongoing spat had no connection with California.

The three producers were based in the UK and the disputed contracts were signed in Australia, she said.

But the actor, who first hit local screens in SBS comedy Pizza, urged the court not to grant an injunction, contending that the Californian claims were completely orthodox.

The US case is one of several lawsuits that have erupted after filming wrapped in 2023.

Lead actor MacInnes has sued Wilson in the Federal Court over social media posts which claimed the film's star revealed she was subjected to sexual harassment.

MacInnes' denials that any sexual misconduct took place have not deterred Wilson who has stood by the claims.

Rialto reportedly acquired distribution rights for The Deb in Australia and New Zealand, with plans for a wide theatrical release in January.