In the penultimate episode of their Watchmen soap opera, lawyers for Fox and Warner Bros. have filed a motion of settlement that will resolve the film's ongoing rights battle Friday morning.

Numerous reports noted a hearing scheduled today for 3:30 — a day after the studios filed a notice of settlement status that presumably detailed the texture, dimensions and flavor of the pound of flesh Fox would be extracting from Warner's. THR now writes that the hearing has been delayed until Friday morning at 9:30, "at which point the parties will announce they have settled the case." And all will be right at last with the fanboy universe, at least until some imminent Dark Knight Oscar snub next Tuesday reignites their pants-wetting ire. Be prepared.

• WatchmenWatch: Settlement status report filed [THR Esq.]

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