Rockstar files lawsuit against BBC over GTA TV drama

Take-Two and Rockstar Games have filed a trademark infringement suit against the BBC over the upcoming GTA TV drama Game Changer, which is based on the Grand Theft Auto developer.

A statement issued to IGN by Rockstar states the suit was filed to ensure "trademarks are not misused in the BBC's pursuit of an unofficial depiction of purported events."

"We have attempted multiple times to resolve this matter with the BBC without any meaningful resolution," said the rep. "Unfortunately in this case litigation was necessary."

The GTA movie Game Changer started shooting in April and stars Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe as Rockstar co-founder and president Sam Houser.

Weird Science and Tombstone actor Bill Paxton will play former lawyer Jack Thompson, a role he confirmed in early April  to Deadline.

The 90-minute drama tells the story of the controversy surrounding Grand Theft Auto, developed by "a bunch of British gaming geniuses who had known each other since their school days and creative mastermind, Sam Houser."

Thompson's crusade against GTA will also play a major part in the film, along with the various controversies surrounding the iconic game, and reveals the major impact it has had on our cultural landscape.”

The film is being directed by James Wood and was written by Owen Harris. Along with Radcliffe and Paxton, the film also stars Alex McGregor, Nick Boraine, Ian Keir Attard, Garth Breytenbach and others.

Game Changer will air sometime during 2016.