MGM sues Universal over attempt to make James Bond knock-off

MGM is looking to block the making of 'Section 6', a historical spy movie which is expected to depict the origins of MI6, the British intelligence agency founded during World War I.
The studio has filed a lawsuit against Universal, claiming that the thriller is too similar to James Bond story, reported Variety.
The thriller has Joe Cornish ('Attack the Block') as the director and actors Jack O'Connell & Hugh Jackman eying the lead role.
It will focus on MI6's first director, Sir George Mansfield Cummings, who served as the inspiration for Bond's boss M.
"This lawsuit concerns a motion picture project, in active development, featuring a daring, tuxedo-clad British secret agent, employed by His Majesty's Secret Service, with a 'license to kill,' and a 00 secret agent number on a mission to save England from the diabolical plot of a megalomanical villain," the lawsuit reads.

"Most moviegoers would assume from that description alone that this lawsuit concerns the next James Bond picture. It does not."

'Section 6' is scripted by Aaron Berg. MGM and James Bond's producer Danjaq claim they tried to settle the dispute without involving a judge. They asked to see the screenplay to make sure it's not too similar to 007, but Universal refused their request.
The new James Bond movie is expected to begin filming in October this year for US release on November 6, 2015. Director Sam Mendes and screenwriter John Logan return for the sequel, while Daniel Craig will be back as the 007 spy agent.

Ralph Fiennes will reprise his role as Bond's new boss after Judi Dench's character met her demise in 'Skyfall'.
Naomie Harris and Ben Whishaw are expected to return as well. Chiwetel Ejiofor is considered to play the villain, while Swedish actresses Ida Engvoll and Disa Ostrand are set to play two key female roles.