Donald Trump’s Legal Team Extends White House Invitation to James Gunn Following $1 Billion Lawsuit Over Unauthorized Superman Poster Portraying Trump as Superhero

James Gunn Slaps Trump with $1 Billion Lawsuit Over Superman Poster, Gets Surprise White House Invite

In a dramatic escalation of legal and political theater, filmmaker James Gunn has filed a staggering $1 billion lawsuit against former President Donald Trump and the White House, alleging unauthorized use of a Superman poster that portrays Trump as a superhero. The lawsuit, filed this week, has sent shockwaves through both Hollywood and Washington, D.C., with Trump’s legal team responding in an unexpected way: extending an invitation to Gunn for a meeting at the White House to discuss the matter.

The controversy centers around a promotional poster, allegedly used by Trump’s team, that depicts the former president as Superman, complete with the iconic red cape and “S” emblem. According to court documents, Gunn, the acclaimed director behind Guardians of the Galaxy and DC’s The Suicide Squad, claims the image was used without permission, infringing on intellectual property rights tied to the Superman franchise, which Gunn has been closely associated with since taking a leadership role at DC Studios. The lawsuit accuses Trump and the White House of exploiting the image for political gain, arguing that it misrepresents the Superman brand and damages its legacy.

“Superman is a symbol of hope, truth, and justice—values that must be protected from unauthorized and misleading use,” Gunn’s legal team stated in the filing. The $1 billion claim reflects not only the alleged financial damages but also the broader impact on the Superman brand’s reputation, particularly given Trump’s polarizing public image.

The poster reportedly appeared in campaign materials and social media posts linked to Trump’s political activities, though the exact scope of its use remains under scrutiny. Gunn’s lawsuit contends that neither Trump nor his team sought permission from DC Studios or Warner Bros., the rights holders to the Superman character, before deploying the imagery. The filing further alleges that the White House’s involvement in distributing or endorsing the poster implicates government entities in the misuse of copyrighted material.

In a surprising twist, Trump’s legal team responded not with a denial or counterclaim but with an invitation for Gunn to meet at the White House to “resolve the matter amicably.” Sources close to the situation suggest that Trump’s team views the lawsuit as an opportunity to turn the controversy into a public relations spectacle, potentially defusing the legal battle through direct talks. “The former president respects creativity and wants to sit down with Mr. Gunn to discuss this like gentlemen,” a spokesperson for Trump’s legal team said in a statement.

The invitation has sparked speculation about Trump’s motives. Some analysts believe it’s a calculated move to shift the narrative away from the lawsuit’s merits and toward a high-profile meeting that could dominate headlines. Others see it as an attempt to negotiate a settlement outside the courtroom, avoiding a potentially costly and embarrassing legal battle. For Gunn, the offer presents a dilemma: attending the meeting could be seen as legitimizing Trump’s approach, while declining risks escalating the feud in the public eye.

The lawsuit and subsequent White House invite have ignited fierce debate online. On X, posts range from supporters of Gunn applauding his stand against what they call “Trump’s shameless branding tactics” to Trump loyalists dismissing the lawsuit as a publicity stunt by a “Hollywood elitist.” One widely shared post quipped, “James Gunn vs. Trump in a Superman showdown? I’d pay to see that movie.” Another user questioned the White House’s involvement, asking, “How does a superhero poster even end up in government hands?”

Legal experts say Gunn’s case could set a significant precedent for intellectual property disputes involving public figures. “This isn’t just about a poster—it’s about the intersection of politics, pop culture, and copyright law,” said intellectual property attorney Sarah Klein in an interview. “If Gunn can prove the unauthorized use caused measurable harm to the Superman brand, the damages could be substantial, though $1 billion is likely a starting point for negotiations.”

For now, all eyes are on Gunn’s next move. Will he accept the White House’s invitation and face off with Trump’s team in person, or will he let the courts decide the fate of this superhero-sized showdown? As of July 12, 2025, Gunn has not publicly responded to the invitation, but sources close to the director suggest he’s consulting with his legal team to weigh his options.

The clash between a Hollywood heavyweight and a political titan over a Superman poster is a story that could only unfold in today’s polarized cultural landscape. Whether it ends in a courtroom, a White House meeting, or a viral meme war, one thing is certain: the saga of Gunn vs. Trump is far from over.