An actor from the original “Top Gun” film is taking legal action against Paramount, alleging that the studio unlawfully utilized his likeness in the popular sequel, “Top Gun: Maverick”.
As per legal documents obtained by TMZ, Barry Tubb, known for his role as Wolfman in the original 1986 movie, asserts that the use of his image in “Top Gun: Maverick” was not covered in his initial contract with the studio, as it did not account for a sequel.
The disputed scene involves two of the sequel’s main characters, Hangman (portrayed by Glen Powell), and Coyote (Greg Tarzan Davis), discovering that Rooster Bradshaw (Miles Teller) is the surviving son of Goose.
In the contentious scene, Rooster points at a photograph of the Top Gun Class of ’86, and upon zooming in, Wolfman is seen alongside Goose, Iceman, and Maverick.
TMZ Studios
Tubb contends that Paramount had no authorization to use the photograph, did not seek permission, and did not compensate him. He is seeking unspecified damages, considering that the movie has amassed close to $1.5 billion in revenue.
“Top Gun: Maverick” has achieved remarkable box office success in 2022, surpassing “Avengers: Infinity War” to become the sixth highest-grossing movie of all time.
FAQs
What is the basis of Barry Tubb’s lawsuit against Paramount?
Barry Tubb’s lawsuit against Paramount pertains to the unauthorized use of his image in the sequel “Top Gun: Maverick”. Tubb claims that the use of his likeness was not covered in his original contract as it did not account for a sequel.
What scene in “Top Gun: Maverick” led to the legal dispute?
The scene in contention involves the characters Hangman, Coyote, and Rooster Bradshaw, and prominently features a photograph of the Top Gun Class of ’86, in which Tubb’s character, Wolfman, is visible alongside other key characters from the original film.
What is Barry Tubb seeking in damages from Paramount?
Barry Tubb is seeking unspecified damages from Paramount, citing that the unauthorized use of his image in “Top Gun: Maverick” has caused him financial harm. With the sequel’s considerable box office success, Tubb asserts that he deserves substantial compensation.
Conclusion
The legal dispute between Barry Tubb and Paramount over the use of Tubb’s image in “Top Gun: Maverick” raises significant concerns about the rights of actors and the implications of incorporating original characters into sequels without explicit contractual provisions. As the case unfolds, the outcome will likely have implications for the entertainment industry and intellectual property rights.