Having ripped up much of DC Films’ plans since taking over the reins as head of Warner Bros. Discovery – including the shock cancellation of the already-shot Batgirl – David Zaslav has now found his Kevin Feige(s) to lead the DC Universe into a new era of film and television programming in filmmaker James Gunn and producer Peter Safran.
As announced by Zaslav, Gunn and Safran will serve as Co-Chairmen and Chief Executive Officers of of DC Studios, overseeing all film and television output based upon the studio’s DC Comics properties under one single banner. They will report directly to Zaslav as opposed to Warner Bros Film Group co-chairs and CEOs Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy, although will be in “close correspondence” with WB on the likes of marketing, distribution and capital spend.
“DC has among the most entertaining, powerful, and iconic characters in the world and I am thrilled to have the singular and complementary talents of James and Peter joining our world-class team and overseeing the creative direction of the storied DC Universe,” said Zaslav. “Their decades of experience in filmmaking, close ties to the creative community, and proven track record thrilling superhero fans around the globe make them uniquely qualified to develop a long-term strategy across film, TV, and animation, and take this iconic franchise to the next level of creative storytelling.”
“We’re honored to be the stewards of these DC characters we’ve loved since we were children,” said Gunn and Safran. “We look forward to collaborating with the most talented writers, directors, and actors in the world to create an integrated, multilayered 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 the DC stable of characters is only equaled by our commitment to the wonder of human possibility these characters represent.
“We’re excited to invigorate the theatrical experience around the world as we tell some of the biggest, most beautiful, and grandest stories ever told. We’re especially enthusiastic about doing all of this with Mike, Pam, Casey, Channing, and the whole Warner Bros. Discovery team, and are grateful to David Zaslav, whose bold vision for the future of the franchise we share and allows for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Most of all, we can’t wait to bring you all into the story of the DCU.”
Gunn gained his first major breakthrough at Warner Bros. as writer on the live-action Scooby-Doo movies, and after steering Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy for two instalments he was lured to the DC Extended Universe for The Suicide Squad and its HBO Max spinoff series Peacemaker. Although he has The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 incoming, Gunn’s role at DC Studios will now see him becoming exclusive to Warner Bros. Discovery for all film and television projects.
Safran meanwhile also has extensive experience with Warner Bros. and DC, where he’s produced the likes of Aquaman, Shazam!, The Suicide Squad and the upcoming sequels Shazam! Fury of the Gods and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, as well as The Conjuring Universe.
Gunn and Safran’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for DC, which had been planning a soft reboot of the DCEU with the long-delayed – and troubled – The Flash movie, including bring in Michael Keaton as Batman and Sasha Calle as Supergirl as successor’s to Ben Affleck’s Dark Knight and Henry Cavill’s Man of Steel.
However, Ben Affleck has since been announced as cameoing in the Safran-produced Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, while Dwayne Johnson’s Black Adam movie has also ushered in the return of Henry Cavill’s Superman, and so clearing up the status of the DCEU will certainly be one of Gunn and Safran’s first priorities in their new role.
What do you make of this news? Do you think Gunn and Safran can help Warner Bros. Discovery realise the potential of the studio’s DC properties? Let us know your thoughts on our social channels @FlickeringMyth…
