Harvey Keitel Demands|$1.5 Million From E*Trade

BROOKLYN (CN) - Actor Harvey Keitel sued E*Trade for $1.5 million, claiming it reneged on a deal to make him its spokesman.

Keitel, known for his work in "Taxi Driver," "Reservoir Dogs," "Pulp Fiction" and other movies, sued E*Trade Financial on Monday in New York County Supreme Court.

He claims that E*Trade sent him a "firm and binding offer," which he accepted, to make three commercials for $1.5 million.

That offer, on Jan. 27, 2014, came after E*Trade twice tried, and failed, to get the services of Christopher Walken for the spots, according to the complaint. Keitel and Walken have the same agent.

Keitel says he accepted the "firm and binding offer" on Jan. 28, 2014, whereupon "an enforceable and binding contract was created between Mr. Keitel and E*Trade."

But on Jan. 29, E*Trade said it was "moving in a different direction," and that it "did not intend to honor their contract," according to the 7-page complaint.

Keitel says E*Trade offered him a $150,000 kill fee, which he rejected.

Nonparty Kevin Spacey has been seen starring in E*Trade's commercials.

Keitel seeks $1.5 million, with interest and costs, for breach of contract.

He is represented by Victor Bushell with Bushell, Sovak, Ozer & Gulmi, of Manhattan.

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