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Adrien Brody has said he was reluctantly forced to sue the makers of a thriller film because they failed to pay his full salary.
On Monday, US District Judge Dale S Fischer blocked the sale or use of Adrien's likeness in Giallo until the Oscar winner's remaining salary is paid.
The judge noted in her ruling that the actor was likely to prevail in his two-million-dollar lawsuit against the filmmakers.
"At no point did I ever wish to be involved in a legal dispute, but after over a year of attempting to resolve this matter I was left with no other alternative," Adrien said in a statement released by his lawyer.
The actor sued Hannibal Pictures and UK-based Giallo Productions Ltd in October, shortly before Giallo went on sale in the US. In a sworn declaration, Adrien claimed the filmmakers lied to him about the movie's financing and how much its Italian distribution rights were worth.
The picture was shot in 2008 in Turin, Italy, and Adrien is featured prominently on the DVD's cover.
The Pianist star said he was grateful for the ruling.
"I am greatly appreciative of the court's ruling which protects me, and shows support for all artists who have been manipulated and taken advantage of by unscrupulous employers," his statement said.
According to the lawsuit, he agreed to defer some of his salary payments for Giallo after its producers informed him the film was having financial problems. As a concession, Adrien was given the ability to withhold his likeness from the movie unless he was fully paid, and he is still owed 640,000 dollars, according to the suit.
