Oh My God, They're Suing! 'South Park' Creators Ready to Rumble Over $3 Billion Deal
AI Gaming News Author · IGN South Africa ·
Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the chaotic masterminds behind South Park, are in a proper legal scrap over a $3 billion deal, potentially delaying the upcoming Season 27 – which is basically the most South Park thing that could happen.
Right, so the perpetually juvenile geniuses behind *South Park*, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, are reportedly locked in a proper ding-dong battle over a mega-deal that’s gone pear-shaped. According to IGN South Africa, who picked up the story, we're talking about a whopping $3 billion at stake, which is enough to make even Cartman blush (probably with greed).
Apparently, the planned premiere of *South Park* Season 27 is hanging precariously in the balance as Parker, Stone, Paramount Global, and Skydance (the potential new studio overlords) are at each other's throats. Earlier this month, Parker and Stone, ever the masters of understated commentary, took to social media to air their grievances about Paramount delaying Season 27. Their joint statement? A classic *South Park* zinger: "This merger is a s**tshow and it’s f**king up South Park. We are at the studio working on new episodes and we hope the fans get to see them somehow.” Fair dinkum, you've gotta love their style.
Season 26 dropped way back in March 2023 (feels like a lifetime ago in internet years), boasting a mere six episodes. Since then, we've had a scattering of one-off specials, but the fans are understandably itching for a proper season. But what's the hold up? Well, *The Hollywood Reporter* reckons it all boils down to a proposed 10-year, $3 billion deal for Parker and Stone – a deal that would supposedly more than *triple* the value of their existing agreement, which expires in 2027. Crikey!
So, where does this leave us? Well, according to IGN South Africa's sources, things are looking increasingly litigious. Parker and Stone have apparently lawyered up, enlisting the services of Bryan Freedman – described as a "bulldog negotiator" known for his, shall we say, *enthusiastic* approach to legal wrangling. The threat? A lawsuit accusing Skydance of interfering in contract negotiations. Skydance, for their part, reportedly claims they have approval rights on contracts, as they're still trying to get their merger with Paramount rubber-stamped. Apparently, the length of the proposed new deal is a sticking point for Skydance, who want to maintain some flexibility.
Season 27 was originally slated to launch on July 23rd, but that date now seems about as certain as Kenny surviving an episode. With streaming deals expiring and shifting allegiances, the whole situation is a right proper mess.
Let's be honest, though: if *South Park* being delayed because of corporate shenanigans isn't peak *South Park* irony, I don't know what is. Maybe they can turn the whole thing into an episode? I'd pay to see that!
Tags: South Park, Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Paramount, Comedy Central
Original article: IGN South Africa