A Legal Showdown: Morgan Creek vs Netflix over Ace Ventura Clips
What’s the Backstory?
It all began when Morgan Creek Entertainment, the crew behind the classic Ace Ventura movies, filed a lawsuit against Netflix. The claim? Netflix’s wildly popular series Tiger King used two short clips featuring Jim Carrey’s iconic acrobat character and exotic animals without getting proper permission.
Why the Drama?
- College‑dropout charm – In the first episode, a flash of Ace Ventura’s antics was tucked in between the drama of a private zoo.
- Hit or miss – Tiger King blew up after its March launch last year, and the second season jumped onto Netflix’s lineup in November.
Negotiation Attempts Gone Wrong
Morgan Creek reached out to attorneys for Netflix and the production house Goode Films in June. They tried to negotiate a post‑hoc license, but those talks fell apart. The case now sits in a Los Angeles federal court, with Morgan Creek demanding a stop‑order and damages.
Why ACE? The Numbers Matter
Back in 1995, Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls made a staggering $100 million worldwide—over S$135 million in Singapore dollars. Beyond the comedic hits, Morgan Creek has also produced titles like Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Last of the Mohicans, and Major League.
The Legal Fight Ahead
Morgan Creek is asking the court to bar Netflix from using any of the Ace Ventura clips and to award the company roughly $300,000 in statutory damages. Netflix hasn’t spoken yet, and neither have Morgan Creek’s attorney, David Berke of Berkes Law. Goode Films is also out of the picture for now.
Why It Matters
In the age of streaming and buzzing social media, a single unauthorized clip can lead to courtroom battles. This case reminds us that even the most beloved pop culture icons still have a legal cloak that shouldn’t be ignored.
