DC has found its new leader(s) in filmmaker James Gunn and producer Peter Safran. Going forward, the duo will watch all of DC’s upcoming movies, TV series, and animated projects as co-presidents and co-CEOs of “DC Studios.” The brand is a newly formed division at Warner Bros. Discovery which will replace the DC Films banner. The decision comes following the quiet departure of former head Walter Hamada from the studio, after overseeing the theatrical release of Black Adam last week.
The Hollywood Reporter notes that the duo will report directly to the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, David Zaslav, and will work closely with film division bosses Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy. The Suicide Squad director will focus on the creative side of DC, while Safran will handle the business and production side.
“The two are expected to continue directing and producing projects, respectively,” THR says, adding that the deal is for four years, making Gunn exclusive to DC. The director has previously worked with Marvel Studios on the Guardians of the Galaxy movies. “The goal is not just for them to be producers, but for them to really function as executives, even if Gunn sometimes polishes a film,” says THR.
In August, Lego franchise producer Dan Lin was reportedly in the running to take over DC Films, as part of Zaslav’s new 10-year plan for the franchise. The initiative focused on rebranding under a new team, one focused on quality rather than quantity, in hopes of creating a product in the vein of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This shakeup also led to the $90 million live action bat girl the film is canceled, stating that it did not fit their vision of maximizing financial returns. Talks with Lin eventually dried up, until this new update, which puts Gunn and Safran in charge.
According to THR, the two individuals were “spotted” on the Warner Bros. lot, meeting with Warners film co-chairman De Luca about future plans – even as Lin was being considered for the job. A detailed report from last week revealed that Gunn was presenting two new DC Comics projects, with Safran (Shazam!) seeking to produce. Meanwhile, De Luca, alongside Abdy, was revealed to be responsible for Henry Cavill’s appearance in the post-credits scene in black adam. While frontman Dwayne Johnson originally offered to introduce Superman into his film, ex-chief Hamada shot down the idea. THR says the disapproval prompted Johnson to meet with film execs De Luca and Abdy, who approved his request.
It’s worth mentioning that while DC plans to lead the MCU route, creating a larger universe and mixing characters, some movies are set in their own realms. Todd Phillips’ upcoming Joker: Madness Two, for example, will be ignored by De Luca and Abdy, while Matt Reeves’ The Batman – previously under Hamada – has no clear indication of the responsible authority. Earlier reports indicated that the Cloverfield director was looking to expand the universe by exploring Dark Knight’s obscure rogue gallery, in addition to the Colin Farell-directed Penguin spin-off series, which will go into production next year.
“We are honored to be stewards of these DC characters we have loved since we were kids,” Gunn and Safran said in a prepared statement. “We look forward to collaborating with the world’s most talented writers, directors and actors to create an integrated multi-level universe that still allows for the individual expression of the artists involved. Our commitment to Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Harley Quinn and the rest of DC’s stable of characters is matched only by our commitment to the marvel of human possibility that these characters represent.
“We are thrilled to reinvigorate the theatrical experience around the world by telling some of the biggest, finest and grandest stories ever told,” the statement concluded.
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