Sofia Vergara’s Ex Allegedly Scammed in Failed Movie Project

NEW YORK, NY — Nicholas Loeb, actor and entrepreneur, claims he was scammed out of nearly $40,000 by German director Robert Schwentke for a movie project that never materialized. The lawsuit, filed in Manhattan Supreme Court, centers around the film titled “Art of the Con,” which Loeb described as a heist film about stealing the Mona Lisa from the Louvre.

According to Loeb, Schwentke, known for directing “The Captain” in 2017, agreed to direct the film in 2022 but insisted that writer Matthew Wilder rewrite the screenplay. Loeb agreed to pay Wilder $25,000, based on Schwentke’s promise. Later, he paid an additional $12,500 in January 2023 for a second rewrite, despite his reluctance.

“I agreed to retain Wilder solely for the purpose of securing Schwentke as director,” Loeb stated in his lawsuit. Schwentke reportedly expressed excitement about the project, saying that directing it would be one of the great joys of his career.

However, Schwentke allegedly stopped communicating for several months. He resurfaced in August 2023, requesting a third rewrite by Wilder at a cost of $25,000. In March, Loeb claims Schwentke abandoned the project, leaving him liable for over $37,000 in expenses.

Loeb’s attorney, Andrew B. Smith, remarked, “Mr. Loeb believes he was swindled by Schwentke in collusion with his friend, costing him millions.” Loeb is pursuing unspecified damages to hold Schwentke and Wilder accountable for their alleged fraudulent actions.

This legal battle comes after a lengthy custody dispute between Loeb and actress Sofia Vergara over their frozen embryos, created from in vitro fertilization efforts that did not succeed. Vergara successfully prevented Loeb from using a surrogate to carry their embryos to term.

Wilder and Schwentke did not respond to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit.