The estate of Joe Shuster, co-creator of Superman, has filed a new lawsuit aiming to block the international release of James Gunn’s upcoming Superman film, scheduled for July 11, 2025.
The legal action, filed in New York State Court, seeks to prevent Warner Bros. Discovery from distributing the film in countries including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Ireland. The estate argues that, under certain international copyright laws, rights to the Superman character have reverted to Shuster’s heirs, and thus Warner Bros. no longer holds exclusive rights in these territories.
This lawsuit follows a previous federal case filed by the Shuster estate, which was dismissed in April 2025 due to jurisdictional issues. The current state-level lawsuit renews the estate’s efforts to assert their claim over Superman’s international rights, potentially impacting the film’s release in significant overseas markets.
James Gunn’s Superman film, starring David Corenswet as Clark Kent and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, is intended to launch the new DC Universe under the “Gods and Monsters” chapter. The film explores Superman’s journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the New York Supreme Court has ordered Warner Bros. Discovery to submit opposition papers and scheduled a court appearance to address the injunction request. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the film’s international distribution and the broader management of iconic comic book characters’ rights.
