Summary
James Gunn’sSupermanmovie could have its release in key countries impeded by a new lawsuit filed by the estate of one of the Man of Steel’s co-creators.
Supermanis set to mark the ‘true start’ of Gunn’s new DC Universe (DCU) franchise when it releases internationally on July 9 ahead of its U.S. theatrical debut a few days later on July 11. Warner Bros. and DC are undoubtedly expecting a box office success, as Gunn has admitted hisDCU plans could fall apart ifSupermanfails. The international box office could be key toSuperman’s financial success or failure, but a new lawsuit claims Warner Bros. and DC lack the rights to release the film in multiple territories.
Why is the Shuster Estate Suing Warner Bros. over Gunn’s Superman Movie?
Plaintiff Mark Warren Peary, executor to the estate of Superman co-creator Joseph Shuster, filed a lawsuit against Warner Bros. Discovery and its DC subsidiary in Federal Court in the Southern District of New York. Shuster andSupermanco-creator Jerome Siegel assigned worldwide rights to the character to DC Comics' predecessor, Detective Comics. However, the suit notes that in countries following British Law, copyright laws contain provisions that automatically terminate such assignments 25 years after an author’s death. As such,the lawsuit claims Shuster’s rights toSupermanin countries that follow British Law reverted to his estate in 2017 and that Warner Bros. Discovery doesn’t have the rights to releaseSupermanin countries like Canada, England, Ireland, Australia, and more.
How Could This Lawsuit Affect Superman’s Theatrical Release?
The Shuster estate is seeking monetary damages and a “cease and desist order” blocking Superman from being depicted by Warner Bros. without written consent or “license to do so.” While some fans may wonder why this particular issue is only being raised now, the suit argues the matter is ready to be litigated because the “Defendants [Warner Bros.] are actively planning a major new Superman motion picture and other derivative works for imminent worldwide release.” A Warner Bros. Discovery spokesperson issued a brief response to the lawsuit, saying, “We fundamentally disagree with the merits of the lawsuit, and will vigorously defend our rights.”
This is merely the latest in a long list of legal battles between Siegel, Shuster, their estates, Warner Bros., and DC over the rights to Superman. In 2013, the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals determined that the creators could not reclaim their rights to Superman from Warner Bros. under U.S. law. This latest lawsuit could also be ruled in Warner Bros.’s favor, but even then, if this matter isn’t settled before thehighly-anticipatedSupermanmovieis scheduled to release, it could delay the film’s premiere in the aforementioned countries.
As of this writing, Warner Bros. has not indicated that it plans to let this lawsuit affectSuperman’s international release. Still, it could become a thorn in Warner Bros.' side if the litigation lasts long enough to bleed intoSuperman’s rollout. With much riding on the DCU’s to launch with a strong start, fans will likely pay close attention to how this latest Superman legal battle unfolds.
Supermanis scheduled to be released in theaters on June 18, 2025.
