“Raygun: The Musical,” the parody production inspired by viral Olympic breakdancer Rachael “Raygun” Gunn, has been abruptly cancelled just hours before its highly anticipated Sydney debut.
The shutdown follows a legal challenge from Gunn’s team, citing concerns over brand damage and intellectual property infringement.
Comedian and creator Steph Broadbridge shared the news on Instagram, revealing that Gunn’s lawyers had contacted the venue, Kinselas in Darlinghurst, to halt the show. The musical was billed as a “parody exploration” of Gunn’s journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics, complete with cheeky original songs like “You May Be a B-girl But You’ll Always Be an A-girl To Me” and “I Would Have Won But I Pulled a Muscle.”
Broadbridge expressed confusion over some of the legal demands, particularly the claim that Gunn “owns” her signature kangaroo dance. “That one did puzzle me – I mean, that’s an Olympic-level dance. How would I possibly be able to do that without any formal breakdancing training?” Broadbridge quipped in her video announcement.
The legal tussle has ignited debate within the arts community, with questions about the boundaries of parody and the scope of intellectual property rights in creative works. Gunn’s legal team defended their stance, asserting their responsibility to protect her brand.
In a statement, Gunn’s legal and management team said it was committed to protecting her intellectual property and ensuring that her brand remained strong and respected. “While we have immense respect for the credible work and effort that has gone into the development of the show, we must take necessary steps to safeguard Rachael’s creative rights and the integrity of her work,” they said, as per The Guardian.
“This action is not intended to diminish the contributions of others, but rather to ensure her brand is properly represented and protected in all future endeavours.” They confirmed the trademark application for “Raygun” was currently under examination should soon be officially registered.
“The use of the ‘Raygun’ name by a comedian without approval has caused confusion among the public, potentially leading them to believe that ‘Raygun The Musical’ had Rachael’s endorsement or approval,” they said. “This misuse of intellectual property is not only misleading but also jeopardises Rachael’s other commercial ventures, which rely on the integrity of her brand.”
Gunn became a polarising figure during the 2024 Olympics after her unconventional moves failed to score points with judges but captivated audiences online. The 37-year-old university lecturer announced her retirement from competitive breakdancing last month, citing the intense scrutiny she faced in the aftermath of her performance. Despite the challenges, Gunn’s viral fame received a boost when Adele called her routine “my favourite thing that has happened in the Olympics” during a concert in Munich.
While “Raygun: The Musical” has been temporarily shelved, Broadbridge remains optimistic about its future. She assured ticket holders of full refunds and hinted at a comeback, jokingly suggesting the character’s name might be tweaked to “Raigun” to sidestep legal issues.
This controversy has sparked wider discussions about the intersection of viral fame, artistic freedom, and intellectual property in an era dominated by social media. As Australia’s creative industry grapples with these complexities, one thing is clear: the legacy of Raygun’s kangaroo-hop continues to leap into unexpected arenas.