LET’S hope Matthew Perry’s new sitcom, "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip," is a hit – because Hollywood’s hottest TV producer, Darren Star, won’t ever work with him after the run-in the two had this week at a Los Angeles movie theater.
According to several sources, Star arrived at the AMC Century 14 in Century City the other night with a close friend and the friend’s 11-year-old niece and 15-year-old nephew to see "Superman Returns."
"Everyone was very excited," one source said. "Darren didn’t want to see the movie at the premiere or screening – he explicitly wanted to see it on opening night as a paying customer. It is a magical experience."
After buying tickets, Star’s group found four seats together, "but they had tape over them, as if they were reserved – like they do at premieres," we’re told. "But movie theaters do not reserve seats, and this was not a premiere, so Darren lifted the tape and his group sat down."
Moments later, a theater employee came up to the "Sex and the City" creator and said, "You can’t sit here. These seats are reserved." When Star objected, the employee threatened to call security, prompting Star to ask, "Who are they reserved for?"
The employee said, "Matthew Perry." Star replied: "Well, you tell Mathew Perry that Darren Star is sitting in his seats because I got here first and this is not a premiere or a screening." The employee shuffled off and came back moments later saying, "Matthew Perry would like to speak with you."
Another eyewitness said: "Perry was in the hallway outside of the theater with a group of three adults, looking very annoyed. When Darren got there, he demanded to know why Darren was in his seats."
After the two bickered for a bit, Star finally said, "Look, I am here with a friend and two children. Do you really want us to move?" Perry snipped: "Yes."
Star’s group moved, but he’s said to be still fuming over the incident.
Star declined comment. Perry, via his rep said, "I really enjoyed the movie, although it is slightly implausible that a man can fly." A customer service manager for the theater said, "No, we don’t reserve seats. Not even for celebrities."
One Hollywood insider laughed: "Matthew Perry thinks he is so special, he has to call up and reserve his seats? I mean, come on – ‘Friends’ has been off the air for years now."
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