Legal Ruling Could Endanger Superman Franchise

DC Comics and Warner Bros. have won at least one legal challenge in the on-going battle for control over the copyright of the iconic Superman character.

In contention in a suit filed by the heirs of Jerry Siegel, one of the character's creators, are the profits from Warner Bros.' last attempt to cash in on the red and blue superhero, Superman Returns.

Unfortunately, Judge Stephen G. Larson didn't agree, but all hope isn't lost since he ruled yesterday that if production on a new Superman film does not begin by 2011, the families, including Joel Shuster's heirs, will be eligible to sue Warner Bros. for damages, as they will own the entire Superman copyright in 2013, which means the movie and comic book studios won't be able to produce ANY work in connection with the character unless they get a license from the Siegels and Shusters.

So, what will Warner Bros. and DC Comics do?, go ahead with a rumored Superman reboot a la The Dark Knight?

Probably, which means actor Brandon Routh needs to secure his stake in the character since they'll be on a new incarnation like white on rice so's to avoid another lawsuit by both families.

They better tread carefully from here on out...