DC Studios secures global distribution rights for its Superman film following a triumphant legal victory by Warner Bros.
The legal battle between the estate of Superman co-creator Joseph Schuster and the makers of the upcoming film has taken a turn. The lawsuit, filed to prevent the release of the movie in Australia, Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom due to an old law that could have hindered its screening in territories once under the British Crown, has been dismissed.
According to Deadline, a federal judge in the United States yesterday declined an ambitious attempt from Mark Warren Peary, the executor of Joe Shuster's estate, to halt the release of the James Gunn-directed blockbuster in regions previously under British rule. The court cited jurisdictional issues, stating that the case lacked subject-matter jurisdiction over this matter, leading to its dismissal.
The lawsuit, first initiated in January, sought damages, injunctive relief, and declaratory relief, claiming copyright infringement by Warner Bros. Discovery. The court's order, as reported by Deadline, states that the case must be dismissed due to the lack of reach the infringement has under U.S. law, not the United Kingdom.
Warner Bros. Discovery has been engaged in the legal dispute and has been requested to submit opposition papers. A court appearance is scheduled for June 4 to argue against the injunction. It is unclear at this point how the lawsuit may affect the global rollout of the film, set to debut on July 11, as the lawsuit only targets the mentioned countries.
Superman hits cinemas on July 11. For more news on upcoming releases from Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, the DC Universe, and Doctor Who, visit io9 for the latest updates.
- Given the recent dismissal of the lawsuit filed by Mark Warren Peary, the executor of Joe Shuster's estate, over the forthcoming Superman film directed by James Gunn, technology enthusiasts might want to keep an eye on Gizmodo for updates on this legal battle.
- As the future release of the upcoming Superman movie faces potential challenges in certain territories, it would be interesting to see if entertainment entities like io9 or Movies-and-TV cover the ongoing dispute more intensively in the coming weeks.
- With the lawyers for Warner Bros. Discovery gearing up for a court appearance on June 4 to argue against the injunction, fans planning to watch the new Superman film can expect an exciting few weeks as this legal battle unfolds, affecting its release in specific countries only.
