Not really a legal point, but I'd personally steer clear of a generic title like "Hero".

Not just because it's been used before (although that's a very good reason to move past it), but also because it doesn't really sizzle.

Imagine a development executive pouring over a mound of spec scripts, skimming only to the titles. "Hero" is incredibly vanilla and really doesn't pop off the page, no matter what the subject matter may be.

It's weird that this question made the forum because it fits nicely into a conundrum I've found myself in.

A while back I wrote a script. No biggie there, but another script, one with the EXACT SAME TITLE (as well as a VERY similar plot) sold and went into development. Now that project seems to be in development hell and I'm sending mine "back into the world."

Needless to say, the question of whether or not use the same title has been much on my mind lately.

Any suggestions?

@domremy03: In your case, I'd suggest you go with a different title, largely due to perception issues: Don't want readers to be associating your story with a script that is in development hell.

There was another movie called Hero with Dustin Hoffman and Andy Garcia. I have a serial thriller movie that recently had another movie claim the name. I changed it slightly but may change it back and let the movie speak for itself.