It’s learned that the estate of Superman co-creator Joseph Shuster is suing Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) and DC Comics, aiming to block the upcoming release of James Gunn’s Man of Steel movie in several countries.
The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of New York, alleges that WBD lacks the rights to “exploit” Superman in Canada, the U.K., Ireland, and Australia. The estate seeks damages, an injunction, and formal recognition of its ownership rights in these regions. They’re also asked for a jury trial.
The Legal Argument
At the heart of the dispute is the claim that Superman’s foreign copyright reverted to the Shuster estate years ago. While Shuster and co-creator Jerry Siegel sold the character to DC’s predecessor in 1938 for $130 ($65 each), copyright laws in certain countries automatically return rights to an author’s estate 25 years after their death. Since Shuster died in 1992, his copyright in most affected countries reverted in 2017, with Canada following in 2021 (Gunn’s Superman is the first Superman movie to be released following that time period, as Man of Steel was released in 2013, and Batman vs. Superman in 2016).
Despite this, the lawsuit says WBD has continued to produce and distribute Superman-related content, including films, TV shows, and merchandise, in these territories. The estate argues that this constitutes copyright infringement, as WBD never sought its approval.
Warner Bros.’ Response
WBD denies the claims and has vowed to fight the lawsuit. A company spokesperson told THR, “We fundamentally disagree with the merits of the lawsuit and will vigorously defend our rights.”
This legal battle adds another complication to WBD’s plans for Superman, which is set for release on July 11. Starring David Corenswet as Superman, the film is a key project in the DCU reboot, led by James Gunn and Peter Safran. The lawsuit could disrupt its international rollout if courts rule in favor of the Shuster estate or if some sort of settlement isn’t made. Gunn actually filmed Superman in Cleveland to pay homage to Siegel and Shuster, considered the birthplace of Superman.
A Long History of Legal Disputes
This is not the first time Siegel and Shuster and their heirs have challenged DC’s ownership of Superman. The creators originally sued in 1947, eventually settling for $94,000. Decades later, Shuster’s family waived their U.S. termination rights in exchange for an annual payment from DC of only $25,000 a year, something courts have upheld. However, foreign copyright laws differ, allowing the estate to argue that it still holds rights outside the U.S.
The lawsuit also questions whether Shuster’s sister had the legal authority to make that agreement, leaving room for further legal challenges.
What’s at Stake?
The Shuster estate is demanding a share of profits from past and future Superman-related works in the disputed territories. It is also seeking a court order preventing WBD from releasing James Gunn’s Superman film and other Superman properties without its consent. The outcome could impact not only the upcoming film but also potential future DC projects that rely on the character.
