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TOP GUN: MAVERICK Gets Hit With Copyright Infringement Lawsuit

Photo from IMDb

TOP GUN: MAVERICK Gets Hit With Copyright Infringement Lawsuit

By Movieguide® Contributor

TOP GUN: MAVERICK is dominating the box office, but the movie may not have clear skies ahead.

The family of author Ehud Yonay, who wrote the article on which the original TOP GUN was based, is suing Paramount Pictures.

The writer’s family accuses the studio of copyright infringement, claiming that family took back ownership of the rights to the article in January 2020. Their lawsuit alleges that Paramount did not finish making TOP GUN: MAVERICK until May 2021, which would infringe on the Yonay family’s copyright. 

However, Paramount argued that they finished production by the termination date of January 24, 2020, and that the sequel was not based on Yonay’s article, making the lawsuit a moot point. 

According to USA TODAY:

Yonay’s original article about the Navy Fighter Weapons School training program and two pilots in the course, the hotshot “Yogi” and his friend “Possum,” was published in the May 1983 issue of California magazine. Soon after, Paramount Pictures acquired the exclusive motion picture rights. “Top Gun” was released in 1986 and went on to become the No. 1 film of the year.

The sequel has been in development for years and was originally set for a July 2019 release but was delayed many times, partly because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Yonay family are seeking damages, including a cut of TOP GUN: MAVERICK’s profits, as well as blocking further distribution of the movie. 

Thus far, TOP GUN: MAVERICK has grossed $583,408,619 worldwide. 

Movieguide®’s review of TOP GUN: MAVERICK reads:

TOP GUN: MAVERICK is a terrific, powerful, exciting movie. It’s full of high drama and heart-pounding action scenes. This role was made for Tom Cruise. He gets great support from Miles Teller as Goose’s son and Jennifer Connelly as Maverick’s romantic interest. TOP GUN: MAVERICK has a strong moral, Pro-American, patriotic worldview. It also tells a strong redemptive story leading to sacrifice, forgiveness and reconciliation. However, TOP GUN: MAVERICK is marred by too many obscenities and three strong profanities. So, MOVIEGUIDE® advises strong or extreme caution.

Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

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You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.


Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.