Superman Co-Creator's Estate Sues Warner Bros., Threatening Film's Global Release

The lawsuit claims Warner Bros. lacks rights to release the upcoming Superman film in several countries due to foreign copyright laws.

The estate of Superman co-creator Joseph Shuster has filed a lawsuit against Warner Bros. Discovery, citing copyright reversion laws in Canada, the UK, Ireland, and Australia.
The lawsuit alleges that Shuster's foreign copyrights automatically reverted to his estate 25 years after his death in 1992, under laws in countries with British legal traditions.
The estate seeks damages, a share of profits from prior works, and a court order to block the release of the new Superman film in the affected territories without proper authorization.
Warner Bros. disputes the claims, asserting that it retains the rights to the character and plans to defend its position vigorously in court.
James Gunn's Superman film, set for release on July 11, 2025, is intended to launch a new DC cinematic universe, raising the stakes for resolving the legal dispute.