The clock is ticking for Warner Bros. and the rights to Superman. In 2013, if things go as planned, they will lose certain rights to the character to the estates of both Siegel and Shuster (the co-creators of Superman).

Just recently, they’ve been denied access to a secret document from the estates of Siegel and Shuster. The document shares information about how the estates of Joel Shuster and Jerry Siegel will handle the rights to Superman, including not doing deals with Warner Bros. studio. The document also mentions how they will split the proceeds on Superman once Warner Bros. loses the rights to Superman.

For one thing, you have DC and Warner Bros. creating new Superman stories for everyone to enjoy and reaping the benefits. On the other hand, the creators, Joel Shuster and Jerry Siegel, have been trying to sue DC for Superman for their fair share and have been living a poverty-stricken life. Joanne Siegel, wife of Jerry Siegel who inspired the character Lois Lane, died in her deathbed during a time when Warner Bros. execs continued to harass her. “We were just stubborn. It was a dream of Jerry’s, and we just took up the task.”

Source: THR and NY Times

John “Spartan” Nguyen

John “Spartan” Nguyen is the editor-in-chief at Nerd Reactor and is based in Orange County, CA. He is a graphic designer and illustrator.

Meet the Nerd Reactor Team

Facebook Twitter YouTube