United News of Bangladesh

A US judge has dismissed a lawsuit that challenged Warner Bros’ ownership of “Superman” copyrights in 10 countries, ruling that federal courts lack jurisdiction over the matter. Mark Peary, nephew of the late “Superman” co-creator Joe Shuster, filed the suit against Warner Bros. and its DC Comics division in January, claiming Shuster’s estate had the right to terminate the “Superman” copyrights in the United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, and other regions. In a decision on Thursday, US District Judge Jesse Furman stated that the court had no authority to decide the estate’s rights under foreign copyright laws, according to Variety. “The Court concludes that it lacks subject-matter jurisdiction over this case; the case therefore must be and is dismissed,” Furman wrote. However, Peary quickly responded by lodging a near-identical case in New York state court on Friday morning. The new action seeks an injunction that could potentially disrupt the scheduled 11 July release of “Superman,” a reboot directed by James Gunn and starring David Corenswet. Previously, Peary’s lawyer, Marc Toberoff, had attempted to secure a federal injunction to prevent the film’s release in the UK, Canada, Australia, and Ireland unless the Shuster estate received compensation. China's Ne Zha 2 Stays Atop Hollywood's ‘A Minecraft Movie’ at the Worldwide Box Office By dismissing the federal case, Judge Furman also rendered the requested injunction moot. Copyright claims involving “Superman” have sparked decades of legal battles since Shuster and Jerome Siegel created the iconic character and sold the rights for $130 in 1938. In 2013, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeal ruled against the Shuster estate, determining that Shuster’s sister had relinquished all claims following his death in 1992. Toberoff maintained that while the 9th Circuit decision resolved the matter under US law, the estate’s international rights remained unaddressed. He argued that British law allowed the estate to terminate copyright in 2017, marking 25 years after Shuster’s death. He further contended that the Berne Convention, an international copyright treaty, gave US courts the power to enforce foreign copyrights. Warner Bros’ lawyers rebutted that the Berne Convention is not enforceable in federal courts. Toberoff has yet to initiate proceedings in the UK or other jurisdictions, citing practical difficulties. Warner Bros’ legal team also emphasised that “Superman” copyright issues had been thoroughly litigated and concluded. The character is expected to enter the public domain in 2034.

Warner Bros has revised its film release schedule, shifting the launch dates of several highly anticipated titles, including Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest project starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Now officially titled One Battle After Another, Anderson’s American crime thriller has been moved from August 8 to September 26. Insiders say the adjustment allows time for US cinemas to install VistaVision projection systems to match the director’s vision, according to Variety. Additionally, the new date positions the film closer to the awards season, a strategy that has benefited previous auteur-driven releases such as Gravity and A Star is Born. ‘Mickey 17’ targets $18M-$20M US debut, earns B CinemaScore The film stars DiCaprio alongside Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro, Regina Hall, and Teyana Taylor. Additionally, Warner Bros Animation’s The Cat in the Hat, featuring Bill Hader and Quinta Brunson, will now arrive on February 27 next year, two weeks ahead of schedule.

A person working on “The Batman” production has tested positive for COVID-19, forcing the authorities concerned to suspend UK shoot.

Dhaka, Aug 30 (UNB) - Joker director Todd Phillips has revealed he spent an entire year trying to convince Warner Bros to let him make a violent and edgy film on the iconic DC villain, reports The Indian Express.