'Superman' co-creator’s files lawsuit to block international release

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The estate of Joe Shuster, co-creator of Superman, launched a fresh legal battle to block the international release of James Gunn’s highly anticipated Superman reboot.

THE ‘SUPERMAN’ MOVIE

This new lawsuit, filed in New York State Court, targets Warner Bros. Discovery and DC Studios, seeking to prevent the film’s release in key territories.

These territories include the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, and Australia.

The estate claims that copyright to Superman reverted to Shuster’s heirs in these countries due to their specific copyright laws. These laws differ from those in the United States.

THE SHUSTER ESTATE AND ‘SUPERMAN’

This legal tussle is not new. Earlier this year, in January, attorney Marc Toberoff filed a similar suit in federal court on behalf of Shuster’s estate.

That case was dismissed in April due to jurisdictional issues, but Toberoff has now refiled with the state court. Toberoff is hoping for a different outcome.

The New York Supreme Court has ordered Warner Bros. to submit opposition papers by 23 May and scheduled a hearing for 4 June to argue against the injunction.

THE ‘SUPERMAN’ RIGHTS

The lawsuit alleges that Warner Bros. has been exploiting Superman’s rights without permission or compensation.

This is especially so in countries where the rights supposedly reverted to Shuster’s estate in 2017 (and in Canada, 2021).

The estate is demanding damages and an injunction to stop the film’s international rollout unless a licence is obtained.

This lawsuit could jeopardise Warner Bros.’ global release plans for the movie, which they have scheduled to hit US cinemas on 11 July 2025.

WARNER BROS REJECTS CLAIMS

Warner Bros. has firmly rejected the claims, stating they “fundamentally disagree with the merits of the lawsuit”. They are planning to vigorously defend their rights in court.

The studio insists that it holds the proper rights to distribute Superman worldwide and that the legal challenge is without merit, according to Pop Verse.

This saga is a reminder of how complex copyright laws can impact global entertainment.

Warner Bros. plans to proceed with the film’s US release as scheduled, but the court’s ruling might delay or restrict its international distribution.

PROBABLE DELAYS

South African viewers, who often enjoy simultaneous releases with the UK and other Commonwealth countries, may see the film’s arrival affected if the injunction succeeds.

Marc Toberoff, representing the Shuster estate, said: “Our position is clear — the rights to Superman in these territories reverted to the estate years ago. We are simply seeking what is rightfully owed.”

Meanwhile, a Warner Bros. spokesperson responded. “We will vigorously defend our rights and ensure fans worldwide can experience this new chapter of Superman.”

IS IT A BIRD?

As the clock ticks down to the movie’s release, this legal battle adds a dramatic subplot worthy of the Man of Steel himself.

Whether this lawsuit will ground the film’s international debut remains uncertain, but it certainly fuels the narrative that Superman’s battles extend beyond the screen, now into the courtroom.