Paramount Global has been hit with yet another copyright lawsuit, this time from screenwriter Shaun Gray, who claims he is entitled to a share of profits from the massive success of “Top Gun: Maverick.” The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York late Sunday.

 

Gray alleges he contributed key screenplay elements—including fighter jet flight scenes—to the sequel of the 1986 cult classic Top Gun, which earned nearly $1.5 billion globally following its 2022 release. His claim hinges on the argument that he was not bound by a work-made-for-hire agreement, unlike other writers, and is therefore entitled to copyright ownership and profit participation.

 

Background of the Legal Dispute

According to the complaint, Gray was approached in 2017 by his cousin Eric Singer, one of the credited writers, along with director Joseph Kosinski, to co-develop the screenplay. Gray asserts that several of his contributions were used in the final film without formal credit or compensation.

 

This isn't the first copyright lawsuit Paramount has faced over Top Gun: Maverick. In 2022, the studio fended off a high-profile claim brought by the heirs of Ehud Yonay, whose article Top Guns inspired the original film. Both cases have been led by attorney Marc Toberoff, a noted litigator in Hollywood IP disputes.

 

A Paramount spokesperson dismissed the new lawsuit, stating that it is “completely without merit” and expressing confidence that the courts will reject the claim as they did with the previous one.

 

Legal Community Reacts

Legal analysts believe this case could test the boundaries of screenwriting credits, oral agreements, and contribution recognition in the entertainment industry. At the heart of the matter lies whether Gray’s work qualifies for copyright protection outside of traditional contractual frameworks.

 

If the court recognises Gray's claim, it could set a significant precedent in determining how collaborative works in Hollywood are compensated and credited—particularly when informal arrangements precede blockbuster success.

 

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