ENTOURAGE Movie On Hold Due to Jeremy Piven Payday

Per The Hollywood Reporter, Jeremy Piven and his payout are causing a riff with the rest of the cast and stalling deals. Entourage was the incredibly successful HBO series that ran from 2004-2011 and rapped with eight seasons, 96 award nominations and 13 wins.

Produced by Mark Wahlberg and Stephen Levinson the show was a hit with audiences and critics alike. Comparable with another hit HBO comedy, Sex and the City; the studio and fans of the show want to see the story continue. But what news of the film seemed to be good, including being granted a coveted California tax credit; recent reports have fans wondering if the show will ever make it to the big screen.

Per reports, Piven-the unintentional star of the series-closed his deal for the film in early October, leaving his other cast members Adrian Grenier, Kevin Connolly, Jerry Ferrara, and Kevin Dillon in disagreement about their deals. This isn't to day that Piven doesn't deserve whatever money he get. During the shows early days he was the only "star" then attached and was given a two-year contract deal at a supposed $100,000 an episode. That is much more than his co-stars who were given 5 year contracts at lesser salaries. His portrayal of Ari Gold (based on that of real life WME agent, Ari Emanuel) garnered him 3 consecutive Emmy wins.

With Warner Bros. trying to keep the budget low at all costs, frustrations have been occurring. When Wahlberg was asked by TMZ on Oct. 15th about a start date for filming he responded, "As soon as them guys stop being so greedy." In a response via Instagram three days later Grenier wrote, "I will sign any deal that gives ALL the boys an opportunity to share in the upside of success EQUALLY."

But maybe things aren't looking so bad. The show's creator and the films writer-director, Doug Ellin- and Ari Emenuel's client tweeted: "The real Ari just told me entourage movie is happening. He actually was the one who pushed me to write script so maybe it is. We shall see."

Agreements need to be made soon as Warner Bros. will not make the film without the tax credit attached. But in order for the film to take advantage of it, it is rumored that the film has to start shooting in January at the latest.

Hopefully all can be resolved, but if not there are 96 episodes that can help fans during this traumatic time.

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