In news which presumably spells the end of Ray Fisher’s time in the DC Extended Universe, Warner Bros. has announced that it has renewed Walter Hamada’s contract as President of DC Films through to 2023.
“Walter is not only passionate about story and the DC canon, he’s also a thoughtful and incredibly talented executive who is fully committed to investing the time and care necessary for moviemaking on this scale,” said Toby Emmerich, chairman of Warner Bros Pictures Group (via Deadline). “With Walter overseeing our DC movies for theatrical exhibition and on HBO Max, we are excited for him and his team to bring more of these stories to life, working with new and established talent to broaden the reach and diversity of the DC cinematic universe.”
“Walter is an incredibly talented, well respected executive, known by his colleagues and our filmmakers as a great collaborator,” added Ann Sarnoff, chair and CEO, WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group. “I’m excited about where he’s taking DC Films and look forward to working with him and the rest of the team to build out the DC Multiverse.”
The announcement follows on from news that Warner Bros. had completed its investigation into Ray Fisher’s allegations that director Joss Whedon’s “on-set treatment of the cast and crew of Justice League was gross, abusive, unprofessional, and completely unacceptable.”
WarnerMedia had said it had taken the appropriate “remedial action” following the investigation but it seems safe to assume with this contract renewal that Hamada – who Fisher has described as an “enabler” – has been exonerated of any wrongdoing. Fisher stated earlier this week that he will no longer “participate in any production associated with [Hamada]”, effectively ending any prospect of him returning as Cyborg in any of DC Films’ upcoming projects.
Hamada was appointed as president of DC Films in January 2018 as Warner Bros. shuffled the division following the disappointing reception to Justice League. The upcoming slate that Hamada will oversee between now and 2023 includes The Suicide Squad, The Batman, The Flash, Black Adam, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, Aquaman 2, Wonder Woman 3, Batgirl and Static Shock.
