Warner Bros’ big budget superhero film Watchmen is in danger of not getting released after 20th Century Fox filed an injunction against the movie.
The $120 million budget epic is based on the Alan Moore comic book and is highly regarded as the best graphic novel of all time. The film adaptation is directed by 300’s Zack Snyder and is seen as one of Warner’s biggest releases next year.
However, rival film studio Fox will go ahead with their plan to block the movie’s release after a Los Angeles court ruled that the company has a right to file a copyright lawsuit.
The dispute has come about because Fox believe they hold the movie rights to the superhero property. They bought the rights in the 80’s, but conceded they relinquished most of those in 1991. However, they argue they retain the rights to distribute the first movie.
Fox Spokesman Gregg Brilliant, “We will be asking the court to enforce Fox’s copyright interests in The Watchmen and enjoin the release of the Warner Bros film and any related Watchmen media that violate our copyright interests in that property.
Scott Rowe, a spokesman for Warner’s argued, “The judge did not opine at all on the merits, other than to conclude that Fox satisfied the pending requirements.
“We respectfully disagree with Fox’s position and do not believe they have any rights in and to this project.”
Fox accuse Warner’s of breach of contract, interference with contract and copyright infringement.
Watch this space.