Watchmen Trial Date Set

The federal judge presiding in the legal battle between 20th Century Fox and Warner Brothers over the upcoming “Watchman” movie set a trial date of January 6, 2009 according to reports from Rueters.

As previously reported, the case centers on the rights to the big-screen adaptation of the popular graphic novel.    

U.S. District Court Judge Gary Allen Feess said Fox should forgo any attempt to get a preliminary injuction against Warners to stop release of “Watchmen” on March 6, 2009.  Feess said the issues were “far too complex to be resolved on an interim basis.”  The judge instructed both sides to build a factual record and start expedited discovery and depositions immediately.

While this may seem like a victory for fans who want to see the movie open on its scheduled release date, there is still the possibility that Fox could ask Feess to permanently enjoin Warners from releasing the film following the discovery phase.

In response to Fox’s suit and the possiblity “Watchmen” could be delayed or never seen by audiences, the fan community has begun a protest.  Fans are organizing to potentially boycott Fox movies, including the upcoming “Wolverine: Origin” film.  

And while there is good news in this development, it could still be a long and winding legal battle before there is any resolution in this case.  We’ll keep you updated on the latest news as it develops.