Bruce Lee Enterprises (BLE) is stopping Pegasus Motion Pictures from using the name, likeness, and image of legendary martial artist Bruce Lee for their upcoming film "Ip Man 3."
The Hollywood Reporter previously stated that The Hong Kong production company would be utilizing a CGI likeness of Bruce Lee for their film.
The story of "Ip Man 3" would focus on the titular character, played by Donnie Yen, as he trains a young Bruce Lee. Boxer Mike Tyson was reported to be the film's primary antagonist. Reports from THR and IGN state that Tyson will portray a property developer who is also a formidable street fighter.
BLE has declared its right ownership over all intellectual property regarding Bruce Lee. This includes his likeness, name, voice, photographs, and others. BLE tells The Hollywood Reporter that the estate is shocked the motion picture company is using Bruce Lee's likeness without authorization.
"To state it in no uncertain terms, BLE intends to seek all remedies available to it to stop Pegasus from including the computer-generated version of Bruce Lee in Ip Man 3," states the official report.
"Ip Man 3" producers have been collaborating with Robert Lee, Bruce Lee's brother, as their primary consultant for the film and the portrayal of the martial artist. Pegasus Motion Pictures states that Robert Lee owns the intellectual rights concerning his brother yet BLE denies this.
BLE stated in regards to Robert Lee's claim over Bruce Lee's ownership, "Robert Lee does not represent BLE, nor is he authorized to represent any intellectual property rights in connection with Bruce Lee in any way."
According to IGN, the legal issue regarding the use of Bruce Lee's likeness will be handled by each party's lawyers. No official settlement or court schedule has been announced but the film is still expected to hit its 2016 release date.
