AceShowbiz - Richard Gere has alleged that he is the victim of a $500,000 "extortion" plot in a new lawsuit. Back in December 2009, the "Pretty Woman" actor entered into an agreement with Random Acts Entertainment to develop a movie based on the book, "Bones of the Master: A Buddhist Monk's Search for the Lost Heart of China" by George Crane, according to court documents obtained by TMZ.com.

Gere, a self-proclaimed Buddhist, planned to produce, direct and star in the movie, while the company agreed they would help with the screenplay. The 68-year-old allegedly paid Random Acts a sum of $17,500 to get the rights to the book, but never got the money back.

He claimed Random Acts turned in a "woefully inadequate" script, but instead of working through their creative differences, the company issued an ultimatum, move forward with the project as written or pay them $500,000. Gere slammed the move as a "corrupt extortion attempt" and is now suing the firm for his initial payment of $17,500.

He has also requested a judge rule that the book rights belong to him.