Creative life after death − or yes, you can control spinoffs from beyond the grave

Michael Crichton, the creator of “ER” and author of “Jurassic Park,” died in 2008. So why is his estate suing Warner Bros. now?

It turns out that when Crichton agreed to develop the “ER” series, he kept the right to approve – or not approve – of any sequels. That right didn’t die with him.

Now that Warner is developing a new medical drama series, “The Pitt,” Crichton’s estate is claiming that the new show is simply a reboot of “ER.” Although the new show has some similarities, including some of the same actors, Warner denies all the allegations.