Director James Gunn and producer Peter Safran have officially been tapped to lead Warner Bros Discovery's DC Studios, including the DCEU. 2022 has been a big shake-up year for Warner Bros. Discovery following their merger. As CEO David Zaslav and his team are restructuring the new studio, it has also caused the DC IPs to be affected, as several projects have been pulled back. One of the big headlines for the studio in 2022 was the sudden cancellation of the Batgirl movie, which finished principal photography. The new regime also scrapped other DC projects that were in development, including Wonder Twins and Strange Adventures.Despite that, DC remains a big priority for Warner Bros. Discovery as they look to make it one of their leading franchises. Following the departure of Walter Hamada as the head of DC Films, the studio has actively been searching for a new boss to lead their films and TV shows. Hamada's last contract was initially set to run through 2023, but the Batgirl cancellation caused him to step down from his position after the release of Black Adam. One of the candidates that Warner Bros. Discovery was eying for the position was Dan Lin, but discussions ultimately fell through, causing the studio to continue its search.The search has officially ended as The Hollywood Reporter reveals that Gunn and Safran are set to lead Warner Bros. Discovery's DC Studios, which will include movies, TV shows, and animation. DC Studios will also officially replace the DC Films division. Gunn will focus heavily on the creative side while Safran takes on business responsibilities. Gunn and Safran said the following about leading DC Studios for Warner Bros. Discovery:
“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.”
How Gunn & Safran Could Reshape DC Going Forward
While it will likely be some time before Gunn and Safran's full plans will be unveiled, this is a huge step forward for the DC brand. Since Joss Whedon's Justice League in 2017, the DCEU has been in constant flux as Warner Bros. has tried to figure out how to best proceed with the interconnected franchise. By having its dedicated studio and two heads leading the charge, this can be the start of more consistency, whether it's shared universes, including the Arrowverse and DCEU, or independent continuities, which is what The Batman and Joker franchises fall into.
Since Gunn and Safran will officially be in charge as of November 1, it will be interesting to see how they play things out in 2023 with Shazam! Fury of the Gods, The Flash, Blue Beetle, and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom are slated to hit theaters. Time will tell how DC Studios will function compared to DC Films, but this will, without doubt, be a huge game changer no matter what happens. As the DCEU continues to go forward, now under new leadership, it will be an intriguing journey to follow over the next couple of years.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
