Recently, in a quite surprising chain of events, filmmaker James Gunn and producer Peter Safran have been selected to lead DC’s film, TV and animation departments. They will also serve as co-chairs and co-CEOs of DC Studios, a newly formed division at Warner Bros. that is replacing the former DC Films.
Let’s get into it!
Filmmaker and producer James Gunn is best known for his stunning works such as The Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, and the most recent DCEU franchise, The Suicide Squad. Gunn started working with DC on The Suicide Squad when Disney fired him as director (then reinstated him) to complete The Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 which releases in theaters on May 5, 2023. Gunn also spawned the hit Suicide Squad, HBO Max spin-off Peacemaker, and is working on a second season now.
While producer and manager Peter Safran is best known for working on the horror franchises, The Conjuring and The Nun, and recent DC films starting with Aquaman. He has worked with Warner Bros. for 10 years and recently the Safran Company renewed their production deal with them.
Gunn will oversee the creative side of things, while Safran will oversee the business and production side. They will report directly to WBD CEO Zaslav and work closely with film bosses De Luca and Pamela Abdy. Their deal will run for four years, with Gunn being exclusive to DC.
“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.” – Gunn and Safran.
Gunn and Safran stepped in after the departure of former executive Hamada, who led the DC Films banner. he had departed due to the controversial decisions made under the leadership of the new CEO Zaslav (including the axe of HBO Max’s Batgirl). The all-new DC Studios division was founded on November 1, 2o22, with both Gunn and Safran stepping into their respective roles. Now all future DC films will be overseen by Gunn and Safran, while the universe based on the The Batman (including Joker) will continue being overseen by De Luca and Pamela Abdy, respectively.
As you can see, recently, under the Warner Bros. Discovery transition, the entire company has been changing left and right, which could result in positive or negative outcomes – who knows! We will just have to wait and see how this leadership turns out, but personally I cannot wait to see the new DCEU. Are you excited for this new change? Let me know in the comments down below!
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Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia. THR (Quote).
