14 DAY TRIAL // Fans of good comedy were stunned to hear that a tattoo artist was trying to block the release of “The Hangover 2” through a court order, because it featured a tattoo similar to the one he’d done on the face of Mike Tyson. A judge has ruled that the release will go according to schedule.
As we also informed you the other day, S. Victor Whitmill, owner of Paradox Studios, filed legal action against Warner Bros., claiming it ripped off the tattoo he designed for and inked on Mike Tyson’s face, for a character in the highly anticipated film.
Consequently, Whitmill asked a judge to rule that the movie not open this weekend in theaters, and that all promo materials (including footage from the film) showing the tattoo be removed.
TMZ is now reporting that the judge ruled that the premiere would go as scheduled – but the matter will not go away, because Whitmill says he wants to push this farther and bring the movie studio to court once more.
“We are very gratified by the Court’s decision which will allow the highly anticipated film, The Hangover 2, to be released on schedule this week around the world,” a rep for Warner Bros. says in a statement to the aforementioned e-zine.
“[The tattoo artist’s] failed attempt to enjoin H2 in order to try and extract a massive settlement payment from Warner Bros. was highly inappropriate and unwarranted,” the statement adds.
In other words, Whitmill only took Warners to court because he was looking for a quick payout – and he truly hoped he’d get it because “Hangover” is such a profitable business.
Whitmill, on the other hand, is telling TMZ that, while “disappointed” with the ruling, he will not let this go. On the contrary, actually.
“[We are] pleased by Judge Perry’s finding that Mr. Whitmill proved a ‘strong likelihood of success’ on the merits. We look forward to further vindicating our client's rights at trial.... including a permanent injunction preventing further distribution of the movie,” the artist’s attorney says.