Barry Tubb, a supporting actor known for his role as Leonard "Wolfman" Wolfe in the 1986 action film "Top Gun," has taken legal action against Paramount Pictures over the use of his likeness in the 2022 sequel, "Top Gun: Maverick," per The Hollywood Reporter.

The lawsuit, filed in a California court on Wednesday, alleges that the studio did not seek permission to include his image in the sequel, violating the terms of his original contract.

Challenging Unauthorized Likeness Usage

According to Barry Tubb's complaint, his contract did not authorize the use of his likeness in any potential sequel to "Top Gun," according to EW.

The dispute centers around a specific scene in "Top Gun: Maverick," where a photograph featuring the original cast, including Tubb, is shown.

Barry Tubb argues that the use of this image was not stipulated in his contract and is crucial to the scene, emphasizing that alterations to the photo negate any copyright claims Paramount might assert.

The scene in question involves characters Hangman and Coyote discovering the familial connection between Rooster Bradshaw and the late Goose, portrayed by Anthony Edwards.

Tubb insists that the altered photo prominently featuring him was used without his consent, and its inclusion is not incidental but essential to the narrative.

Paramount has yet to respond to requests for comment on the matter.

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Contractual Breach Allegations

Barry Tubb's complaint asserts that Paramount failed to seek consent or authorization for using his likeness in "Top Gun: Maverick," Courthouse News Service reports.

The original contract, signed almost four decades ago, did not anticipate a sequel, and therefore, Tubb contends that the studio overstepped the agreed-upon terms.

The actor contends that his permission was limited to the promotion and exploitation of the 1986 movie and did not extend to the use of his off-camera, behind-the-scenes image in a sequel released in 2022.

Tubb stresses that he only agreed to the use of his image as the Wolfman character in connection with the original film.

Furthermore, Tubb argues that the behind-the-scenes group photo includes personal elements like his bandana and watch, which were not part of the Wolfman character's attire in the movie.

He claims that this personal picture is not protected by the First Amendment as it does not represent an expression related to fictional characters.

Barry Tubb's legal representation, led by Joseph Casas of the Casas Law Firm in San Diego, has filed claims including false association, statutory and common law misappropriation of publicity, negligent hiring and supervision, and breach of contract.

The actor seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages in response to the alleged unauthorized use of his likeness in "Top Gun: Maverick."

This legal dispute adds another layer to the complex landscape of intellectual property rights in the film industry, emphasizing the importance of contractual clarity and consent in the evolving landscape of movie sequels and related media projects.

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Written by: Bert Hoover

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