If you’re a fan of graphic novels, chances are you’ve read Watchmen by Alan Moore. Moore is without doubt one of the most influential figures in comics, and Watchmen is one of the most critically acclaimed graphic novels ever produced. Of course some would argue that Watchmen was actually a limited series which was then republished as a paperback, but we’re not going to quibble about that now, are we?
Fans of the graphic novel have been clamoring for years for it to be brought to the big screen. After being mired in development hell it was finally announced that the film was in the works, with Zack Snyder hired to helm. If you haven’t seen the trailer yet, check apple.com. The last time a trailer got me this excited was the one for 300, also directed by Snyder.
Recently news broke that Twentieth Century Fox had filed a suit seeking to block the release of the movie, due in theaters March 2009. A Fox spokesman says they will be “asking the court to enforce our copyright interests”. They will be asking the court to halt the release of the movie and “any related Watchmen media that violate our copyright interests in that property”
I can’t help but wonder about the timing of all this. On just about every forum I’ve come across discussing this issue, people are accusing Fox of just trying to get more money. I can’t see any other reason for waiting till now to file a suit. After the original announcement, casting and now that the film is in post production, Fox suddenly realizes that their copyright has been infringed? Nice work guys.
I wish I could say that the judge should just throw out the case, but I don’t know all the specifics. Honestly though I don’t see much chance of the film’s release being put off. I’m willing to bet that something will be worked out within the coming months. And for the sake of the fans who have been waiting years for this movie, let’s hope so.
Tags: Alan Moore, comic, copyright, fox, graphic novel, lawsuit, watchmen
