LOS ANGELES, California – Barry Tubb, known for his role as Wolfman in the 1986 movie “Top Gun,” has filed a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures alleging the unauthorized use of his likeness in the sequel “Top Gun: Maverick.”
Tubb claims that his permission to use his image did not extend to the 2022 sequel. The scene in question features a photo of the original actors, including Tubb, altered without his consent. He asserts that the alterations destroyed any purported copyright to the image.
The actor further contends that the original contract with Paramount did not contemplate the use of his image beyond the original “Top Gun” or in promotions related to “Top Gun: Maverick,” a sequel not anticipated at the time of the original contract.
Tubb is seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages and is demanding a trial by jury.
The lawsuit raises questions about the use of an actor’s likeness in sequels and promotions, shedding light on the importance of clear and explicit contracts in the entertainment industry.
Paramount has not responded to requests for comments on the matter.
This case serves as a reminder of the complex legal issues surrounding intellectual property and the entertainment industry, as actors seek to protect their rights and control the use of their image in various contexts.
It remains to be seen how the legal battle will unfold and if it will set a precedent for similar cases in the future.