The producers behind the “Ace Ventura” movies this week filed suit against Netflix and a New York-based documentary production company, accusing them of using clips from “Ace Ventura 2: When Nature Calls” without permission.
In a complaint filed Monday in federal court, attorneys for Morgan Creek Productions took issue with two clips used “without permission or license” in the first episode of “Tiger King.” The clips, which are shown for about 5 seconds total, include Jim Carey interacting with exotic animals in his role as the title character.
Attorneys for Morgan Creek Productions said in the complaint that by using the clips without permission, Netflix and documentary production company Goode Films “contributed to the distribution and public display of the infringing clips to a viewing audience of literally missions of viewers.”
“Tiger King” drew 64 million viewers in the first four weeks after it premiered in March 2020, as people nationwide became stuck at home due to shutdowns prompted by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The series focused on “Joe Exotic,” or Joseph Maldonado-Passage, a tiger breeder and owner of a private big-cat zoo in Oklahoma, and his years-long feud with Carole Baskin, the CEO of the nonprofit Big Cat Rescue.
“Ace Ventura 2: When Nature Calls” was released in November 1995 and grossed more than $108 million, according to Morgan Creek Productions. It followed the exploits of Ventura, a fictional detective who specialized in retrieving stolen wild and exotic animals.
In court records, attorneys for Morgan Creek Productions said the company reached out to attorneys for Netflix and Goode Films in June 2020 to negotiate an “after-the-fact license,” but they were unable to reach an agreement.
The company asked the court to stop Netflix from using clips from “Ace Ventura” and other films owned by Morgan Creek Productions and for damages, including $300,000 in statutory damages.
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