Holy crap… as someone who worked in law for a number of years, I can tell you that sometimes it works in really strange ways. And this one is VERY strange… but probably correct.
The family of Superman creator, the Siegel’s, have been in a battle with Warner Bros to get back control of the Superman character. In a recent ruling Warner won the rights to the character TEMPORARILY (they have until 2011 to start production on a new movie or all bets are off), but now a NEW ruling has confused the issue even more as the Siegel’s and Warner now each own the rights to different parts of the Superman story.
The good folks over at Cinematical break it down like this:
According to Variety, the Siegels have recaptured the rights to the first two weeks of the daily Superman newspaper strips, and portions of Action Comics and Superman comics. They apparently now control all depictions of Superman’s origin story, which means they now own Krypton, its fiery destruction, Jor-El and Lora, and Kal El. In 2008, the Siegels recaptured the rights to the Superman character (which includes his costume and his alter-ego of Clark Kent), Lois Lane, the Daily Planet, its gruff editor, and their love triangle. DC still owns Jimmy Olson, his ability to fly, Lex Luthor, kryptonite, and Superman’s expanded powers and origins.
So basically, Warner has until 2011 to make another Superman movie, but they can’t mention Krypton, his parents, the daily planet or Lois Lane…. but they can still show him flying.
This is going to get interesting.
In reality, what this decision does is sort of FORCE Warner and the family to come to a settlement, because nothing can really happen under the currently circumstances.
