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Latest Lawsuit Threatens Global Release of James Gunn's "Superman"
Posted on May 22, 2025 by Neil Cole
Just weeks before the global premiere of James Gunn's Superman, Warner Bros. Discovery faces a new legal obstacle that could impact the film's international release. The estate of Superman co-creator Joe Shuster has reportedly refiled a copyright lawsuit in New York state court, seeking an injunction to halt the studio's ability to exploit the iconic character in key international markets including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, and Australia.
Filed by veteran attorney Marc Toberoff - known for his past involvement in high-profile copyright disputes - the case revives long-standing questions over ownership rights related to the Man of Steel. According to legal expert Eriq Gardner, writing in Matthew Belloni's Puck Newsletter, the suit aims to test the limits of international copyright law, where jurisdictions differ significantly from the United States.
The New York Supreme Court has ordered Warner Bros. Discovery to file a response by this Friday, with a hearing scheduled for June 4, when the studio must present arguments against the requested injunction. The ruling from this session could determine whether Superman faces a delayed or restricted rollout in several international markets. At this time, Warner Bros. Discovery has not issued an official statement regarding the lawsuit.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE DC UNIVERSE MOVIE
Set to hit theaters on July 11, Superman marks a new era for the character, with David Corenswet stepping into the role under the direction of DC Studios co-head James Gunn. The film is a cornerstone in Gunn's new DC Universe slate and represents a significant investment in the franchise's reboot.
Countries named in the injunction request - Australia, Ireland, Canada, and the U.K. - represent crucial box office territories. Any disruption in those markets could pose a significant financial risk for the film's global performance. While it's unlikely Warner Bros. Discovery will delay the release at this stage of marketing, the studio is expected to mount an aggressive defense against the injunction.
A HISTORY OF SUPERMAN LEGAL BATTLES
This isn't the first time Superman's legal rights have come under scrutiny. Prior to the release of Man of Steel in 2013, Warner Bros. successfully defended a similar challenge regarding copyright claims. Courts previously ruled in the studio;s favor, reinforcing Warner Bros.' legal right to produce and distribute Superman-related content. Industry observers believe this precedent may once again work in the studio's favor, but with international copyright laws in play, the outcome remains uncertain.
LOOKING AHEAD
As the June 4 hearing approaches, the situation is developing quickly. Whether or not the film's international release will be affected remains to be seen. Warner Bros. Discovery's response to the court will be closely watched, not only for its implications on the upcoming Superman film but also for the future of intellectual property enforcement in an evolving global media landscape.
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