### Legal Battle Erupts Over 'Top Gun: Maverick' Screenplay Contributions - Shaun Gray, the cousin of screenwriter Eric Singer, has filed a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures, claiming he contributed significantly to the screenplay of "Top Gun: Maverick" but was not credited or compensated for his work. Gray alleges that he collaborated with Singer and director Joseph Kosinski over a five-month period, writing key scenes that he believes were crucial to the film's success [https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/top-gun-maverick-paramount-screenplay-lawsuit-b2741293.html][https://www.hindustantimes.com/htcity/cinema/top-gun-maverick-studio-sued-by-screenwriter-s-cousin-over-uncredited-scenes-which-he-claims-made-the-movie-a-smash-hit-101745920089438.html]. ### Breakdown of the Lawsuit's Claims and Structure 1. **Plaintiff's Background**: Shaun Gray is a writing assistant and the cousin of Eric Singer, the credited screenwriter for "Top Gun: Maverick." 2. **Allegations of Contribution**: Gray claims he worked closely with Singer and Kosinski, contributing to the screenplay over five months, and asserts that he has documentation of his contributions [https://www.mensjournal.com/news/top-gun-maverick-screenwriter-lawsuit]. 3. **Legal Action**: The lawsuit was filed in New York federal court, seeking joint credit for the screenplay and a share of the film's profits [https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/paramount-sued-by-writer-over-top-gun-maverick-screenplay-2025-04-28]. 4. **Claims of Manipulation**: Gray alleges that Paramount manipulated the situation to exclude him from receiving credit for his work on key scenes [https://www.thewrap.com/top-gun-maverick-writer-cousin-shaun-gray-sues-paramount]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Key Contributions**: Gray asserts that he wrote significant action scenes that contributed to the film's acclaim and box office success. He claims to have kept files documenting his contributions, which he intends to present as evidence in court [https://cfjctoday.com/2025/04/29/top-gun-maverick-writers-cousin-sues-claiming-he-wrote-key-scenes][https://www.gamereactor.eu/top-gun-maverick-writers-cousin-claims-to-have-written-key-scenes-in-lawsuit-1535643]. - **Financial Stakes**: The lawsuit seeks not only credit but also a share of the profits from a film that grossed over $1.4 billion worldwide, highlighting the financial implications of the claims [https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/paramount-sued-top-gun-maverick-writers-cousin-screenplay-credits-1236202442]. ### Conclusion and Implications of the Lawsuit - **Summary of Findings**: Shaun Gray's lawsuit against Paramount raises significant questions about credit and compensation in the film industry. His claims of substantial contributions to "Top Gun: Maverick" could set a precedent for how collaborative writing efforts are recognized and rewarded in Hollywood. 1. **Legal Precedent**: The outcome of this case may influence future disputes over screenplay credits and profit-sharing in the film industry. 2. **Impact on Industry Practices**: If Gray's claims are validated, it could lead to more stringent practices regarding credit attribution and compensation for contributors in film projects. 3. **Public and Industry Reaction**: The case has garnered attention, reflecting ongoing discussions about fairness and recognition in creative industries [https://ca.news.yahoo.com/top-gun-maverick-script-center-175834571.html].