Actor Cary Elwes has been slapped with a lawsuit after allegedly backing out of a deal to sell his Malibu, California home.

Tris Felder claims he recently agreed to a deal with The Princess Bride star to buy the pad for $1.7 million (£1.06 million), but when he tried to deliver the $51,000 (£31,875) deposit, the actor had changed his mind about the sale.

The plaintiff failed to obtain a formal purchase agreement, but alleges he has a letter of a counteroffer which has been signed by Elwes, which is enough for him to sue.

According to court documents obtained by Tmz.com, Felder is demanding Elwes honour the agreement and hand over the keys, or pay him at least $500,000 (£312,500) in damages.