Huge changes for DC – DC Films division is closing and James Gunn is taking over
In collaboration with Peter Safran
Huge reshuffles for DC , which seems to be looking for a new beginning for its films, since its cinematic universe has not been able to stand on its feet for several years, making some successes, but also several missteps.
Breaking down, in a surprise development, director James Gunn and producer Peter Safran have been tapped to lead DC’s film, television and animation efforts. In fact, the DC Films division will soon be a thing of the past once and for all , with the newly formed DC Studios of Warner Bros. to replace it.
Gunn and Safran will serve as presidents and co-CEOs of DC Studios. Specifically, Gunn will focus on the creative side, while Safran will focus on the business side. However, both are expected to continue and direct and produce, respectively. The two will report directly and only to David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery and will work closely with Warner film bosses De Luca and Pamela Abdy. The Hollywood Reporter ‘s sources say the deal will last four years and Gunn will work exclusively for DC.
What will happen to the other DC universes?
Unlike Marvel, DC has many movies that take place in separate universes. According to THR’s sources, director Todd Phillips’ Joker sequel will not fall under Gunn and Safran’s purview and will still be in its own universe. On the other hand, Matt Reeves also has his own universe that started with the recent movie “The Batman”. It’s still unclear who will oversee Reeves’ future projects , but any other DC film from here on out will be signed by Gunn and Safran.
Everything you need to know about the new DC movie bosses:
In case you don’t know, Gunn is one of the most respected minds in the world of superhero movies. He first rose to fame in the independent film space, and his popularity skyrocketed in 2014 with Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy, which also got a sequel in 2017. Gunn then switched to DC in 2018 for The Suicide Squad, when Marvel fired him, before finally bringing him back for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 of 2023. The Suicide Squad received positive reviews and spawned the successful HBO Max spinoff, Peacemaker, starring John Cena. Gunn is currently working on its second season.
On the other hand, Safran is extremely well-known as a manager, with Gunn among his clients. He has been a longtime contributor to DC projects, producing the $1 billion-grossing Aquaman, as well as Suicide Squad, Peacemaker, and Shazam! His relationship with Warner spans 10 years and includes the $2 billion Conjuring horror franchise. Safran is also producing the upcoming sequels Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom and Shazam! Fury of the Gods.
