Belize archeologist sues over Indiana Jones skull
Purchase this article for republication
Buy SPH photosLOS ANGELES (AFP) - A Belize archeologist is suing the makers of a blockbuster Indiana Jones film for using a likeness of a so-called Crystal Skull, which he says is a stolen national treasure.
Dr Jaime Awe claims the skull was stolen from Belize 88 years ago, and that filmmakers had no right to use a model of it in 2008's Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
In a lawsuit filed in Illinois this week, Mr Awe is demanding the return of the Crystal Skull, which he says is a national treasure, from a treasure-hunting family who allegedly stole it, said the industry journal on Friday.
But the legal action also targets Lucasfilm, its new owner the Walt Disney Co and Paramount Pictures which released the film by Steven Spielberg, for allegedly using a replica "likeness" of the skull.
