50 Cent just hit a legal wall in his fight to stop the horror film “Skillhouse” from hitting theaters. On July 3rd, U.S. District Judge Hernán D. Vera denied his motion for a preliminary injunction, clearing the way for the movie’s theatrical debut on July 11th through Fathom Events, AllHipHop reports.
The rapper, actor, and entrepreneur, born Curtis Jackson, filed a lawsuit in April alongside his entertainment company, NYC Vibe. The suit claims that producers, including Ryan Kavanaugh and his firm Proxima Media, unlawfully used Jackson’s name, likeness, and voice to promote and enhance the value of “Skillhouse” without proper authorization, a signed contract, or any financial compensation.
Jackson asserts that his involvement with the project was initially discussed but never formally agreed upon. He maintains that despite the absence of a signed deal, his image and voice were still used in marketing materials, falsely implying endorsement or participation in the film.
The court, however, didn’t find sufficient grounds to delay the movie’s release. Judge Vera’s ruling emphasized that while the legal dispute over likeness rights can continue, there wasn’t enough immediate harm proven to justify stopping the film’s rollout.
Skillhouse,” which takes a satirical jab at influencer culture and features a horror twist, has been generating buzz for months. Despite Jackson’s high-profile objections, audiences will get to judge the film for themselves starting July 11th.
Though the movie is moving forward, Jackson’s lawsuit remains active. He could still win monetary damages if the court eventually rules in his favor. For now, the film lives on, with or without 50’s blessing.
