"The Hangover Part II" faces a problem less than a month before it hits theaters. S. Victor Whitmill, a tattoo artist who gave Mike Tyson his distinctive facial art, is suing Warner Bros. Pictures over the similar-looking facial ink on Ed Helms' face, and asking for an injunction to stop the movie's release.
A complaint has been filed on Thursday, April 28 in federal court in St. Louis. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the statement read, "When Mr. Whitmill created the Original Tattoo, Mr Tyson agreed that Mr. Whitmill would own the artwork and thus, the copyright in the Original Tattoo."
"Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc. - without attempting to contact Mr. Whitmill, obtain his permission, or credit his creation - has copied Mr. Whitmill's Original Tattoo and placed it on the face of another actor...," the statement continued. "This unauthorized exploitation of the Original Tattoo constitutes copyright infringement."
Also being attached to the lawsuit was Whitmill's copyright registration for the "Original Tattoo", and Tyson's signature as a proof that the ex-champ granted rights in the work. In addition the document, some pictures of Whitmill applying the design on Tyson's face were included.
In trailers and posters for the second installment of the comedy, Helms sports a body art while enduring the hilarious situation in Bangkok. Helm's tattoo looks like Tyson's, and was also chiseled on the same spot as Tyson's. Tyson himself made an appearance in "The Hangover" as himself, chasing the main characters after they stole his tiger.
On another "The Hangover 2" news, Ken Jeong has recently posted on his Twitter page a new poster for the movie. The actor wrote, "Latest poster for The Hangover Part II...." , before attaching the new picture.
"The Hangover 2" is scheduled for May 26 release across the nation during Memorial Day weekend. The gang from the first film are in Bangkok to celebrate Stu's wedding when they discover themselves in another state of black-out.
Also reprising their roles as Helms' buddies are Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, and Justin Bartha. Jamie Chung, Nick Cassavetes and Juliette Lewis are among actors supporting the movie. Todd Phillips returns to serve behind the lens.
The Hangover Part-II New Trailer
