Barry Tubb, the actor known for his role as Leonard “Wolfman” Wolfe in the 1986 blockbuster Top Gun, is howling at Paramount Pictures over what he claims is the unauthorized use of his likeness in the hit sequel, Top Gun: Maverick.
In a complaint filed in a California court and obtained by EW, Tubb asserts that his permission for the use of his likeness “did not include the use of his image in the sequel.” The scene under scrutiny depicts characters Hangman and Coyote discovering the true identity of Rooster Bradshaw, played by Miles Teller, when they stumble upon an old photo featuring Iceman, Goose, Maverick, and Wolfman.
Tubb’s lawsuit raises questions about the boundaries of contractual agreements and the rights of actors to control the use of their likeness in sequels and related media. The dispute underscores the complexities of intellectual property rights in the entertainment industry and the challenges of navigating legal gray areas surrounding the use of characters and images from iconic films.
Paramount Pictures, the studio behind the Top Gun franchise, has yet to respond publicly to Tubb’s lawsuit. The outcome of the legal battle could have significant implications for the future production and marketing of sequels, particularly those that draw on nostalgia and iconic characters from beloved films.
As the case unfolds, both Tubb and Paramount await further legal proceedings, with the potential for the lawsuit to set a precedent in the realm of likeness rights and intellectual property in Hollywood. The outcome will be closely watched by industry professionals and legal experts alike, as it may shape future practices and standards regarding the use of actors’ likenesses in film sequels and related media projects.
