In a mind-blowing Tuesday afternoon shocker, Warner Bros. Discovery announced that filmmaker James Gunn and producer Peter Safran have been named the heads of DC Studios, a brand-new Warner Bros. division replacing DC Films. The pair will oversee DC’s films, television, and animation going forward. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Gunn and Safran will be operating as co-CEOs of DC Studios, with Gunn focusing on the creative and Safran handling the business and production side. However the duties are split up, this is an unprecedented move.
In a statement, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav said “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. 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.”
In a separate statement Gunn and Safran expressed their excitement saying, “We’re honored to be the stewards of these DC characters we’ve loved since we were children. 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.“
It’s still a little hazy as to how this impacts movies already in the works, mainly those outside of the DCEU such as Todd Phillips’ upcoming “Joker” sequel and Matt Reeves’ developing universe revolving around “The Batman”. But one thing is for sure, Gunn has a deep affection for comics and superhero storytelling. And Safran is no stranger to producing big-budgeted superhero franchise movies. Gunn’s brash and more comedy-leaning individual style is reasonably concerning. But there’s no reason to believe he will force that style onto every DC property.
What’s most exciting about the hiring is that DC is all but guaranteed to once again have a vision. Gunn and Safran already have some terrific groundwork laid with the recent release of “Black Adam” and the announcement that Henry Cavill is back as Superman. Stability will do wonders, and Gunn’s enthusiasm is sure to take the DCEU (or whatever it’s going to be called) into some fresh and fun directions. Let’s go!
So what do you think about the big news?
Keith & the Movies 
This was kind of a crazy news to reveal. I do like Gunn and love what he did with 2021’s Suicide Squad. It will be interesting to see what becomes of this news for the future of the DCEU or DC movies altogether. Only time will tell…
It was crazy news for sure! I didn’t expect it at all. Now it’s all about waiting and seeing how it turns out.
I am not sure if this is too much,too little,too late. But I wish them well and hope they can revive the enthusiasm for good superhero movies, and that we are not too jaded with them.
I’m pretty excited by this. But I’ve really enjoyed the DC movies more than the Marvel to be honest. So seeing them bring things together and get a little better direction is a definite plus.
I’ll believe the change when I see it as I don’t have any confidence in Zaslav alone. He’s a fucking piece of shit and there is going to be a special place in Hell for that cunt.
I think it’s an interesting, out of the box pick, but two heads are better than one. And James Gunn will be a draw for many creatives, which can only help in shaping this new DC Movie universe. And Gunn’s style, while wild and comedic, does do solid, character based storylines, always a plus. I”m less familiar with Safran, but I suppose having one executive and creative is a good way to split the difference.
I really like the idea of splitting up the business side with the creative. Safran does have some good experience producing DCEU movies and Gunn can focus on the content.
I have thought for awhile that if DC is ever going to “get back in the race” with Marvel they have been given the opportunity to do so. I think Marvel is losing the casual fans who jumped on board for Infinity War and Endgame, and most likely that was going to happen anyway. Gunn is awesome. I know that much. Maybe this is the start of DC really raising their “game.”
I’m an unashamed fan of what Zack Snyder was doing up until his family tragedy and the studio meddling. I know Gunn will bring something different. I just don’t want it to be like his own movies. That brash and goofier style works well with certain properties but a little of it goes a long way with me. And I don’t want him to copy Marvel. One of the things I loved about Snyder’s spin was that if felt dramatically different than the MCU. Hopefully Gunn’s will too.
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