Fox Tries to Stop Watchmen Release

If you've modest appreciation for comics or are married to a comics freak, you're aware of the impending March 6 release of "The Watchmen," the drool-inducing dark comic lusciousness directed by the genius that is Zack Snyder of "300" fame.

A million years ago (20 years our time, a million in Hollywood time) Fox purchased the film rights to "The Watchmen." Warner Brothers came along and rightfully wondered why no one was making the film; so they decided to make it. Fox waited until buzz about the movie grew and estimated box office revenue justified the expense they would incur in wrangling with Warner Brothers over the film; then they took WB to court for copyright infringement. A judge ruled on Christmas Eve that Fox "at the very least" had rights to distribute the film.

Fans of the comic are completely freaking out, my husband included. They blame Fox for the loss of actor ad crew wages that will ultimately occur in order to give Fox a cut for doing absolutely nothing to bring this film to fruition. I'm all about Fox NOT harshing the mellow of this film's release.

However - why did Warner Brothers not fully secure the rights to this film prior to production? They do it with every other film and would have had to do it with this even if Fox did not own said rights. They're a big studio; they've been in the business for quite some time. I want this film made but at the same time: if I own a beautiful Bel-Air but don't drive it and keep it in my garage, does my not using it give someone else the right to hop in and take it? Bells no! If "The Watchmen" is delayed it's because Warner Brothers screwed it up, not Fox.

That being said, I think they should just hug it out and release the blasted movie already.

Source

Comments

[Sarah]

That will stink if it gets delayed after all the hoo-haa they've put into having it be "03-06-09!!!!!!!!!" Seriously just release the film, there is more than enough money to go around. Hopefully they'll make some kind a deal where FOX will get a percentage cut and everyone will be unhappy (the measure of a good compromise).

[BaltimoreGal]

My comic-book expert brother is dubious about the movie anyway, because he says it's really not an action comic and he's not sure that a Watchmen movie can stay "on message" well. Kind of like the latest Frank Miller movie, "The Spirit". BOMB. Miller changed the look & feel of the comic to fit his style. Pat has always said that if the comic fans don't approve, the movie won't make money, regardless of advertising, etc. He seems to have been right so far. This whole Watchmen rights thing is very strange, no doubt.

So I guess we'll see!

[sassystitcher]

Amen! Hug it out, bitches! I need to see me some Denny ;)

[FM]

I think/hope the Watchmen movie will be great - but then I agree - the Spirit move was no Sin City and besides some nice rump in the movie and stylistic choices - Sam Jackson's caricature of himself and the fact that there was little to know Scarlett Johanssen skin - left me feeling very vexed.

Then again, I watched the movie next to someone who hadn't washed in quite a while and I'm sure that put a damper on things as well.

I plan to see the Watchmen with little expectation but much willingness to enjoy.