An actor from the original Top Gun movie has sued Paramount Pictures for using his image without permission in the 2022 sequel, Top Gun: Maverick.
When Top Gun: Maverick came to theaters in 2022, it was widely considered to be the “return of the movies”. It also prompted many audiences to revisit the 1986 original — one of the most iconic ’80s movies of all time. (Everybody remembers that volleyball scene.)
The Tom Cruise classic is most definitely a different beast to the modern-day version. The sequel introduced us to a whole new generation of pilots, utilized today’s cinema technology with chair-shaking results, and became one of the highest-grossing movies of all time.
However, not everyone was happy to see it. In fact, one member of the original cast has now sued Paramount Pictures for using his image in the sequel without his permission.
Top Gun actor sues Paramount for use of image in Maverick
Barry Tubb, who played “Wolfman” in the original Top Gun movie, is suing Paramount after his image was used in the 2022 sequel, Top Gun: Maverick.
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According to Tubb and the complaint filed, the use of his image was entirely unauthorized and without permission. He also claims that he was not compensated for the use of his image, which appeared in the final act of the 2022 movie.
In the scene in question shows a photograph of the original cast, including Tom Cruise and Barry Tubb. He also said that the photo was a behind-the-scenes shot from the production of the original movie, and was never intended to be used narratively.
The complaint states that Paramount “never sought consent or authority to use plaintiff’s image for any purpose in Top Gun: Maverick and the original contract signed by plaintiff and Paramount did not contemplate use of his image beyond the original Top Gun or in promotions related to Top Gun: Maverick; a sequel not contemplated at the time of the original contract and not released until 2022, almost four decades after the original Top Gun.”
As it stands, Tubb is seeking unspecified compensation and damages, and is requesting a trial by jury.
