Tara Reid, who became famous for her roles in movies like American Pie, Van Wilder, and the Big Lebowski, is reportedly suing the producers of the Sharknado movies. Sharknado has earned quite a cult following for its ridiculous story and become a movie series that is so bad, it’s good. The actress is suing the producers for apparently using her likeness for slot machines based on the franchise, without permission.
Reid Alleges Breach of Contract
Reid is suing Asylum Entertainment and SYFY Media Productions for $100 million. The lawsuit is claiming false endorsement and misappropriation of celebrity likeness. Reid, who plays the character April Wexler in the Sharknado films, is claiming that her 2016 contract for the fifth movie in the franchise stated that her likeness was not to be used to promote anything related to tobacco, things of a sexual nature, or gambling.
As the movies have gained a large following, Sharknado slots have been created for online and land-based casinos. The online slot was created by Pariplay, while the land-based version is from Aristocrat and Gimme Games. The slot machines are officially licenced products and are permitted to use assets from the movies. These include cut scenes and images of the actors.
Reid Sceptical of Agreeing to “Stupid Movie”
Reid’s lawsuit is claiming that the producers of the movie were oppressive and malicious and is requesting an amount of $100 million for punitive and exemplary damages. Reid also believes the amount is fair, as Sharknado has made plenty of money in licencing from slot games, as well as an officially licenced beer. The actress also wants an injunction to prevent her image from being used on and slot machines in the future.
It has been reported that she received $125 000 to appear in Sharknado 5, and $175 000 to appear in the sixth and final film. Reid has also gone on record talking about how she did not want to initially accept the role in the first movie, as she thought it was a stupid movie. Sharks being dropped on Los Angeles by a cyclone? What could be stupid about that?
