Barry Tubb, known for his role as Leonard 'Wolfman' Wolfe in the original 1986 Top Gun movie, has filed a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures. The actor alleges that his likeness was used in the 2022 sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, without his permission, sparking controversy amidst the film's massive success.
Reports from Entertainment Weekly reveal that Tubb's legal complaint centers on a scene in the sequel featuring a manipulated photograph of his character alongside other key figures from the first film. Tubb asserts that this image was derived from an altered behind-the-scenes shot and was utilized in the sequel without authorization. His lawsuit demands a jury trial and compensation, citing copyright infringement by Paramount. The studio has not yet responded to the allegations.
Top Gun: Maverick has faced legal challenges previously. Following its release, the family of Ehud Yonay, whose 1983 article inspired the original movie, accused Paramount of copyright infringement. They claimed that the sequel replicated significant portions of Yonay's work without proper consent. Director Joseph Kosinski, however, denied these claims, attributing the scene's inspiration to his personal experiences.
The legal disputes surrounding Top Gun: Maverick have overshadowed its financial success. The film, featuring Tom Cruise's return as Captain Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell and a new generation of aviators, has grossed over $1.46 billion worldwide. The sequel arrived with much anticipation, evoking excitement and nostalgia from the original.
As Paramount contemplates a potential third Top Gun installment, the outcome of these lawsuits could have far-reaching implications. The studio is likely to exercise caution regarding any references to Tubb's Wolfman character in future projects. These legal challenges also prompt discussions on how the film industry navigates copyright and likeness rights, particularly in sequels and reboots heavily drawing from their predecessors.
The cast for a prospective Top Gun 3 remains uncertain, with no clear indications of returning original or 'Maverick' cast members. While Cruise's reprisal is eagerly anticipated, the involvement of stars like Miles Teller, Glen Powell, Monica Barbaro, and Lewis Pullman is also expected. However, the return of original cast members appears less probable amidst the ongoing legal issues.
The legal turbulence surrounding Top Gun: Maverick underscores the complexities of intellectual property rights in the entertainment sector. As legal proceedings unfold, the impact on the future of the 'Top Gun' franchise and the broader film production and copyright law landscape will be closely monitored. The progression of these cases will be intriguing to observe in shaping the future of the 'Top Gun' franchise and the wider film production and copyright law domain.
*Availability in US: Tom Cruise returns as Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell, continuing to push boundaries as a seasoned Navy aviator in this sequel to the original Top Gun film.
