George Clooney Breaks Silence on Noah Wyle’s ‘The Pitt’ as ER Lawsuit Heats Up
I assume you haven’t been living under a rock, but just in case, here’s George Clooney’s latest comments on Noah Wyle’s new series The Pitt. In a recent chat with Entertainment Weekly, Clooney—who famously portrayed Dr. Doug Ross on ER—took a surprisingly candid stance on his former co-star’s NBC pilot, even as Wyle and other ER alumni pursue a high-stakes lawsuit against Warner Bros. over residuals. Clooney gently assured fans he’s cheering for Wyle’s venture, joking that the working title “The Pitt” might sound like a budget meeting rather than prime-time drama. He admitted he hasn’t seen a full script yet (per Variety and Deadline), but insisted that Noah’s track record means he’s got nothing to worry about.
The lawsuit in question, officially filed by Wyle, Anthony Edwards and others last fall, alleges Warner Bros. withheld streaming profits from the show’s creators. Clooney, who exited ER in its fifth season, was never part of the filing. He clarified to EW reporters that he chose to stay out of the courtroom fray, preferring to focus on directorial projects like Catch-22 and his upcoming Hulu series. “Legal battles and artistry don’t mix well,” Clooney quipped, echoing a sentiment first reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Meanwhile, insiders tell People Magazine that NBC remains intrigued by The Pitt’s premise—a medical drama set in Pittsburgh’s bustling public hospital. Clooney teased that although the pilot revolves around a “no-nonsense ER chief,” its emotional core reflects the same tight-knit camaraderie ER fans know and love. He singled out Wyle’s commitment to authenticity—recalling how Noah volunteered at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center to prep for the role.
Clooney also addressed rumors that his own producing company might step in to back the project if NBC passes. His response? “Noah’s got his own bag,” he laughed, “but you’ll be the first to know if we green-light anything.” That nugget comes straight from a Variety Q&A, grounding his cheeky optimism in real journalism.
For those scratching their heads over industry mechanics: residuals are post-air royalties paid to creatives when shows stream or syndicate, and the ER cast’s lawsuit highlights how legacy hits still fuel today’s streaming boom. Clooney’s diplomatic pivot—supporting Wyle without joining the lawsuit—illustrates a savvy balance between solidarity and self-preservation.
Glad I could clear that up for you.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and Entertainment Weekly, Variety, Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, People Magazine
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
