David Zaslav’s head hunting for DC Films end as Warner Bros Discovery now has James Gunn and Peter Safran to oversee the projects. Finally, Zaslav secure another notch to his 10-year DCEU plan. His search for DC’s counterpart to Marvel Studios’ Kevin Feige finds him Gunn and Safran to tandem lead the studio. Furthermore, specific tasks and responsibilities are clear between parties. More importantly, perhaps to mark the new era, DC Films will be DC Studios henceforth.
In the past months, many have speculated that James Gunn among those in the running to succeed Walter Hamada. His work on previous DC movies prove that the director has an overall vision for the DCEU. This is something Zaslav has been particularly looking for. Fans started anticipating great news from the director. Especially when the Justice League appeared in the season finale of his highly successful Peacemaker with John Cena. Where, the series itself is a spin off from a comparatively less successful theatrical release of The Suicide Squad. Though at the time, a good number of viewers pointed out the treatment to Superman in the scene. Hopefully, because of recent events, better Supes appearances will take place.
Head Hunting For DC Films Ends With James Gunn And Peter Safran
Image: Warner Bros.
The theatrical performance of The Suicide Squad did not fare well in the box office. CoVid and the peak of health protocols attributed to this unfavorable result. Gunn redeemed his vision of his DC world through Peacemaker. Now, its season 2 is in the works. Moreover, he is also developing a series that will focus on Viola Davis’ Amanda Waller.
The Hollywood Reporter broke the news that Gunn and Safran now share the top-seat of DC Films now DC Studios. The position will encompass film, television and animated division of DC. Thus, they will not only ensure DCEU, or some form of it, to return. They will also be on top of other DC universe in production. Particularly, these include those for the small screen as well as animated features.
Where Gunn will be on the creative and conceptualization side, Safran will be on the business side of the new WBD division. With a number of DC movies under his belt as producer, his team up with Gunn for the top executive role is not the first time they will be working together. Safran was among the producers for the 2018 Aquaman, 2019 Shazam!, and 2021 The Suicide Squad. His more recent DC works include this year’s Peacemaker television series and the upcoming theatrical features Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom and Shazam! Fury of the Gods. As the producer has other titles from other genres as past works, there is a lot of possibilities for future DC projects.
Head Hunting For DC Films Ends With James Gunn And Peter Safran
Image: Marvel Studios
Just a few days ago, Marvel Studios released the official trailer for their Christmas Holiday Special on Disney Plus featuring Guardians of the Galaxy. As most people know, this is the among the last projects Gunn finished for the studio including the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 next year. In the past interviews, Gunn has implied that these will be his last projects for Guardians. Or more specifically, the upcoming movie will be the last film to feature that specific group of Guardians. While at the time, fans think he may have other characters in mind. This DC development signals the end of his Marvel era. At least, for the time being.
The DC Studio tandem will be working closely with the top management of WBD. Working directly with Zaslav, they will also be collaborating with television executive Channing Dunger, HBO and HBO Max’s Casey Bloys. Also, they will work with US Networks Group chair and chief content officer Kathleen Finch and consumer products chief Pam Lifford. Equally important is that the two will also work with Warner Interactive Entertainment’s David Haddad.
Head Hunting For DC Films Ends With James Gunn And Peter Safran
Image: Warner Bros.
As a new division of WBD, DC Studios will share resources across the conglomerate. In an official statement from James Gunn and Peter Safran:
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.
Head Hunting For DC Films Ends With James Gunn And Peter Safran
Image: Getty Images
Ever since the completion of the merger, the decision making tandem has been Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy. Dust is definitely settling and organization is reaching its completion. In a joint statement De Luca and Abdy said:
We could not be more excited to have James Gunn and Peter Safran join the team and assume the leadership of the DC Universe. James is a brilliant filmmaker and storyteller and Peter is a tremendously successful and prolific producer and to have them both committing to work together to forge this new era for DC is a literal dream come true. We all share a very similar sensibility and passion for this universe and the stars couldn’t have aligned any better. We can’t wait to get started, dig in, and collaborate with these unmatched creative minds.
James Gunn and Peter Safran will receive the keys to the kingdom effective November 1.
