Barry Tubb, known for his role in the iconic 1986 film “Top Gun,” filed a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures on Wednesday, Fox News reported.

The controversy centers on the unauthorized use of Tab's image from the original movie in the 2022 sequel Top Gun: Maverick. Tubb's involvement in the original Top Gun as Lt. Henry “Wolfman” Luce was backed by a contract that explicitly limited the use of his image to the 1986 film. according to On Fox News. At that time, the concept of sequels was not as widespread as it is now, and there was no room for discussion about the future use of the actor's image.

'Top Gun' actor Barry Tubb sues Paramount Pictures for using his image in 'Maverick' sequel https://t.co/9JeMY3Pj48 pic.twitter.com/zk7yzfjEKc

— New York Post (@nypost) February 22, 2024

According to Fox News, Tubb's lawyers claim that Paramount Pictures continued to use Tubb's image in “Top Gun: Maverick” without Tubb's consent or compensation of any kind, and this oversight is now in effect. He said this is at the heart of the legal battle. The controversial image was a group photo featuring the fictional 1986 Top Gun class and a naval consultant. It was prominently displayed in the sequel's scenes. The camera's focus on Tab alongside stars such as Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer emphasizes the importance of his image in the film, contradicting the notion that it is used incidentally. . (Related: Tom Cruise thanks fans for watching 'Top Gun: Maverick' in theaters)

According to people familiar with the matter, Paramount appears to have reached out to other actors to seek their consent for “comparable portrayals” in the film, Fox News reported. Mr. Tabb is asking the court to determine the amount of compensation, and his lawyers argue that it should not be less than $75,000.

According to FOX News, Paramount Pictures has not yet responded to these allegations.