Superman's True Kryptonite

When we first set out to "save" Superman, our focus was based on what Bryan Singer did to the character. We were up in arms about Superman Returns and how it disrespected the character and what he has stood for the last 70+ years. We were ranting and raving with anger over the casting, the writing, the plot, the directing, and wondering what the hell went wrong. We were asking how could something so simple with so much history turn into such a tragedy?

After my most recent conversations regarding the future of the film franchise, as well as the future of Smallville, I've come to realize something. We're not focusing on the right problem.

To my own personal knowledge, WB has declined over a dozen script ideas from some of the best comic writers out there. Again, that's just the ones I know about. There could easily be dozens more that I'm not aware of. So what is the problem? Why is WB declining all these ideas? You can bet your ass it's not because they aren't any good. Not when writers from DC who have created Superman stories as a career are being shot down. There must be a reason though.

I have 3 theories, of which none end well.

Theory #1

WB is holding off until the courts decide the percentage that must be shared with the Siegel family from properties produced between 1999 and 2008. As of now, the Siegels own 50% of the domestic rights to Superman and all elements from Action Comics #1 through #6. Beyond those issues, DC maintains full rights. However, it has yet to be established what percentage of profits made on current issues (beyond 1999) is owed due to the use of Superman in them. This sum of cash could be so big that WB doesn't see the point in making another film with the risk of having another Superman Returns on their hands.

Theory #2

WB has decided not to risk anything with the impending loss of the remaining 50% of Superman rights in October 2013 and is sitting back waiting for the opportunity to cash in instead. By this I mean that once they have lost all rights to the character, they will still own full rights to Lex Luthor, the Daily Planet, and all the biggest villains in Superman's history. In order for someone else to make a film the fans will accept, they'll have to pay WB/DC a huge chunk of change. No risk and all profit makes more sense from a business standpoint.

Theory #3

The Siegel family is holding up another film by exercising their 50% stake in the character for reasons that could include their lawyer wanting to produce rather than allowing WB to do so. Both the Siegel and Shuster heirs have stated they don't feel the character has been respected as he was created. Their reasoning for terminating the rights agreement was not solely about money, but about respect.

Whatever the reason, Superman is suffering greatly. Not just because of Bryan Singer or Brandon Routh, but because of corporate politics and greed. The question is, can we overcome this? Can the fans set aside differences long enough to band together and actually help save Superman? I believe we can.