Amazon MGM studios is facing legal troubles ahead of its upcoming crime drama television series, Criminal, created by Ed Brubaker and Jordan Harper. The television adaptation of the Marvel/Image comic book of the same name has been under development since 2019, and was officially ordered by Amazon in January 2024. However, even before the filming could wrap, one of the showrunners, Brubaker, has landed a lawsuit. And not alone.

Amazon MGM Studios and Big Indie Pictures have also been dragged into this lawsuit filed by one of the crew members in Criminal.

Ijaaz Noohu, a former personal assistant on the sets of Criminal, has alleged a hostile working environment created by showrunner Ed Brubaker. According to a 12-claim complaint filed in LA Superior Court, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Noohu claimed that he was subjected to s***** and r***** aggravation, including comments conforming “demeaning ethnic stereotypes”. Alongside Brubaker, Amazon MGM Studios and Big Indie Pictures have also been sued for not taking appropriate actions against the American comic book writer.

The complaint details, reported by THR, an alleged prank directing Plaintiff to a bikini barista, jokes on “curry” and several other Indian r***** remarks, even though Noohu is a Sri Lankan American. There was also a listed incident that involved Brubaker pointing a working firearm at Noohu, which he alleged was ignored by a senior producer present on the sets. The troubles for Criminal have begun even before the project reaches audiences. 

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Criminal is currently filming, and follows a gripping story of multiple generations of criminal families, alongside a star-studded cast. 

There are nine major story arcs across the overarching Criminal comic book universe. Charlie Hunnam, plays the central anchor, Leo, of the "Coward" story arc. Richard Jenkins as Ivan plays the best friend of Leo's late father and acts as a tragic emotional anchor for Leo. Then there is Luke Evans, who plays the protagonist, Tracy, of the "Lawless" story arc. This arc also includes Emilia Clarke as a sharp-witted, daring armed robber, Mallory. 

They are joined by Adria Arjona, Kadeem Hardison, John Hawkes, Michael Mando, Pat Healy, Gus Halper, Logan Browning, Garrett Hedlund, Chris Diamantopoulos, and Katie Stevens. There is currently no release date set for the movie as it is still being filmed, with plans to continue through October. But given the growing controversy, it is yet to be seen whether the project will survive to release. 

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What do you think about Criminal's controversy? Let us know in the comments!