Warner Bros. Discovery has made a key move to make sure DC Universe. Gunn has already talked about how all the franchise's plans will only materialize if Superman is a hit, as the movie needs to have a healthy box office run to make sure other DCU projects get made. As such, Superman needs to be released in every market possible, which has a chance of not happening due to a lawsuit.
According to future DC movies starring Superman should be free of rights issues.
What Warner Bros' Move In The Superman Lawsuit Means
The Studio Is Using Past Events
Daniel Petrocelli, the studio’s attorney, commented on the matter, saying, "Peary’s complaint fails on every ground." The complaint is rooted in how the Superman copyright assigned to the studio and DC would have been automatically terminated 25 years after Shuster died in the mentioned territories. Warner's move comes in response to that, after the Superman movie lawsuit recently escalated, with Marc Toberoff, the estate's attorney, wanting an injunction to block the studio from continuing to explore the franchise. Warner is questioning whether U.S. courts would have jurisdiction over the matter.
The DCU's Superman Movie Legal Issues Aren't The Only Copyright Problems DC Has Faced
James Gunn's Superman movie faces a lawsuit that could block its release in certain countries, but that is not DC's first time facing legal issues.
According to Toberoff, they do, all because the U.S. is a signatory to the Berne Convention. However, Warner's new motion to dismiss argues that the U.S. courts, in fact, do not enforce the Berne Convention, so the case should be dismissed over a lack of jurisdiction. Warner also mentions all the past legal disputes the studio has had with the estates of Shuster and Jerome Siegel, Superman's co-creators. Shuster's sister, Jean Peavy, signed away the character's rights in an agreement that "fully settles all claims" related to the Superman copyrights. That and the jurisdiction argument give Warner a solid defense.
Our Take On Warner Bros' Move In The Superman Lawsuit
James Gunn's Superman Movie Will Likely Be Released In The Disputed Countries
Based on how past rulings on the matter, specifically those with the Shuster estate, have been favorable to Warner, I have a hard time believing that Superman will be blocked from releasing in the UK and other key territories. The studio needs this movie to succeed, as it can serve as the foundation for a financially stable franchise and help Warner get things in order after a shaky few years. As such, I'm sure Warner is fully dedicated to making sure Superman is not blocked from being released in certain countries, and the studio's arguments look solid.
Superman
- Release Date
- July 11, 2025
- Director
- James Gunn
- Writers
- James Gunn, Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster
- Producers
- Lars P. Winther, Peter Safran
- Franchise(s)
- DCU
Cast
Clark Kent / Superman / Kal-El
Rachel BrosnahanLois Lane
Nicholas HoultLex Luthor
Edi GathegiMichael Holt / Mister Terrific
Superman: This film follows Clark Kent, a cub reporter in Metropolis, as he navigates the complexities of his dual identity, struggling to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing while embracing his role as Superman.
DC Movie Releases
Source: Variety
