“Top Gun” Actor Sues Paramount For Use Of His Image In Sequel

Barry Tubb / IMDb

Barry Tubb recently filed a lawsuit against Paramount for the depiction of his likeness in the critically acclaimed Top Gun: Maverick.

Barry Tubb, renowned for portraying Henry “Wolfman” Ruth in the iconic film Top Gun, has filed a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures. He alleges that the studio utilized his likeness in the sequel without his consent or compensation.

Tubb claims that Paramount’s use of his image is “essential in a way that is not incidental.”

Tubb filed the lawsuit on February 21 in the Central District of California. He argues that he granted Paramount limited permission to use his image for the original Top Gun film in 1986. However, court documents detail that no such authorization was granted for any subsequent sequels.

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In an email to USA TODAY, Tubb’s attorney, Dennis Postiglione, stated that his client “does not wish to comment beyond what’s stated in the lawsuit.”

“He’s confident that the legal system will produce a just result in his case,” Postiglione expressed.

Court records show that Tubb requested a jury trial and is seeking a minimum of $75,000 in damages to be paid by Paramount.

What specific scene in Top Gun: Maverick featuring Wolfman caused such a significant issue?

Wolfman, played by Barry Tubb, appears in the scene where Hangman and Coyote find an old photo of the Top Gun Class of 1986.

“This remains a four-shot close-up clearly establishing (Tubb),” per the suit. “(Tubb’s) likeness in the scene is essential in a way that is not incidental. The Image of (Tubb) is used in a four-shot equal close-up with Maverick, Goose, and Iceman—all top-billed characters in the original Top Gun.”

Tubb asserts Paramount didn’t seek his consent to include him in the movie, nor did he offer to participate. Additionally, he alleges that the film company unlawfully altered the original Top Gun image to avoid copyright laws.

“(Tubb’s) persona is not copyrightable and, thus, his rights of publicity are independent of any copyright. Paramount misappropriated (Tubb’s) image and/or identity for purely self-serving commercial purposes and their own business interests.”

Hopefully, legal proceedings will allow for a fair resolution to be reached for all parties involved.

Have you seen Top Gun: Maverick? Check out the trailer for it below!