Gerard Butler sues over scrapped movie

Gerard Butler is suing producers behind his ill-fated film Motor City over allegations he wasn't paid for the failed project.

The thriller, which was set to co-star Adrien Brody and Mickey Rourke, was called off by executives two weeks before the shoot was due to begin last year (12).

Gerard Butler's lawyers have now filed suit against production companies Emmett/Furla Films and Motor City Productions, claiming the actor is owed $5.1 million.

The 300 hunk allegedly signed a 'pay-or-play' contract, which meant he would be paid even if the movie didn't get made, according to his lawsuit obtained by TheWrap.com.

The court documents, filed in California earlier this month (Feb13), suggest he was promised $4 million, along with up to $2 million in deferred compensation.

The lawsuit states, "Seeking to capitalise on Butler's hugely popular persona and worldwide recognition, Defendant solicited Butler's services as the lead actor in a theatrical motion picture tentatively entitled Motor City. After offering Butler the starring role in the motion picture on a pay-or-play basis, Defendant then used and exploited Butler's attachment to the motion picture to pre-sell the distribution rights and raise financing."