‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Copyright Lawsuit Shut Down

by

The hugely successful movie Top Gun: Maverick, which earned $1.4 billion worldwide in 2022, avoided a legal battle after a copyright lawsuit was dismissed. Writer Shaun Gray had sued Paramount, claiming he contributed significantly to the film’s story and script. He alleged he developed key scenes, including the opening sequence with Maverick breaking speed records, after being hired to help with the plot. Gray argued that because he wasn’t formally contracted as a work-for-hire, he should be credited as a co-writer of the screenplay.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Judge Jed Rakoff ruled on Friday, January 9th that Paramount couldn’t avoid copyright claims from a writer. The judge determined the materials the writer submitted were actually based on already copyrighted work and therefore couldn’t be copyrighted themselves.

The writer, Gray, clearly built his screenplay using pre-existing elements from the movie Top Gun, including its characters, locations, and plot points. There’s enough proof to suggest Paramount was justified in believing Gray’s misleading claims. Because Gray didn’t speak up, Paramount never got the chance to have him sign an employment contract.

Following the court’s decision, a Paramount spokesperson expressed satisfaction that the claims against them were dismissed and that they can now pursue their own claims against Gray. Paramount alleges that Gray improperly became involved with the project without their permission.

Tom Cruise Stopped ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Star From Career-Worst Decision


Paramount Pictures

In lighter news, Tom Cruise recently shared with GQ that he had to persuade his Top Gun: Maverick co-star, Glen Powell, to stay involved in the film. Apparently, Powell initially considered leaving after Miles Teller was cast as Lieutenant Bradley ‘Rooster’ Bradshaw, as he was offered the role of Lieutenant Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin instead. However, Cruise, age 63, convinced him that he’d be missing out on a great opportunity.

He dismissed the film quickly, without giving it a proper review or considering all the details—like my filmmaking process, my experience, the skills of the team, and how the movie was being produced.

Luckily, they became close friends and remain so today. In an interview with the publication, Powell shared a story about how Cruise responded to one of his healthy drinks.

Tom Cruise jokingly criticized something I made. Someone suggested I try adding superfoods to my coffee, so I blended in ashwagandha, Reishi, Cordyceps, and other mushrooms. I brought it to the movie set in a mason jar, and while flying, I started drinking it. It looked pretty awful – like a thick, unappetizing sludge. Cruise glanced at it and said I looked like I was drinking something unpleasant, asking what it was. I realized I’d gone too far with the health concoction.

Read More

2026-01-12 01:26