By Ryan Parsons | Image property of Warner Bros, Variety
Watchmen
I sure hope 20th Century Fox has assessed the risks when it comes to how the studio is handling Watchmen. Still hoping to get some sort of compensation for the film, I hope all remember that this Fox lawsuit was filed against Warner Bros. after Watchmen production had begun.
Watchmen Lawsuit Remains
Fox continues to threaten the sanctity of Watchmen as the current lawsuit begins to pick up pace. A judge has denied a Warner Bros' motion to dismiss 20th Century Fox’s lawsuit over Warners’ right to make a film based on the graphic novel Watchmen.
What the ruling means is that Fox now has a chance to share in profits on the film, though the studio had absolutely nothing to do with the project. No risk, all reward. Considering that it has also been Fox struggling to create a good adaptation, fans might find reason to soon begin hating the studio. Not only are they having a hard time creating their own adaptations, but they are now creating issues with other studios. If Watchmen suffers at all, there will be many who won't ever forget it.
Fox's lawsuit, filed last February, claims that the studio never ceded rights to the property. Judge Gary Allen Feess seems to agree with them, with the idea that Fox still holds distribution rights through an arrangement created back in 1991.
"It is our company’s policy not to comment on pending litigation and thus will not comment on the specifics of this case," Warners said in statement. "That said, the court’s ruling simply means that the parties will engage in discovery and proceed with the litigation. The judge did not opine at all on the merits other than to conclude that Fox satisfied the pleading requirements. We respectfully disagree with Fox’s position and do not believe they have any rights in and to this project."
Since the film is due out this March, the judge is asking for an expedient resolution.
"Warner Bros.’ production and anticipated release of The Watchmen motion picture violates 20th Century Fox’s long-standing motion picture rights in The Watchmen property," Fox said in a statement. Somebody should have reminded Fox that the project is called Watchmen.
While Fox's claim could sound just, here is the reason why audiences across the globe could end up hating the studio:
Surprisingly, Fox said it would rather see the film killed instead of collecting a percentage of the box office. [Variety]
Are you kidding me?
Watchmen hits theaters on March 6th, 2009.
For the poster, pictures and more info on the film, go to the Watchmen
Movie Page.
Add to Heffee!
