Maybe we were wrong to assume that when Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson said, “the hierarchy of power in the DC Universe is changing”, he was talking about a lot more than just Black Adam. Since the release of the latest DCEU film, we have officially announced the return of Henry Cavill as Clark Kent aka Superman. Something fans have been very vocal about wanting to see more in cinema. Today, we have an even bigger bombshell that without a doubt will change the DCEU forever.
In a shocking move, filmmaker James Gunn and producer Peter Safran have been hired to lead DC’s films, television, and animation projects as co-chairs and co-CEOs of the newly formed division at Warner Bros. Discovery, DC Studios, according to The Hollywood Reporter. This will replace DC Films. This comes just days after the departing lead of DC Films, Walter Hamada left the studio. The search for who was going to take over the position had everyone throwing all sorts of names of executives.
According to reports, Gunn will be focusing on the creative side of DC Studios. Safran will take care of the business and production side of things. Both of them are expected to continue to direct and produce projects as well. They will be reporting directly to Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav. As well as work closely with WB film bosses Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy. Sources are claiming the deal runs for four years and will also lock Gunn as DC exclusive.
RELATED: HENRY CAVILL OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCES RETURN AS SUPERMAN
“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.” Said Zaslav in a statement.
“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.” He continued.
THE MEN BEHIND THE THE BRAND
Gunn has been one of the most successful comic book filmmakers. In 2014 he brought up Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy from obscurity and made them a household name. Then at DC, he elevated The Suicide Squad, who had been ridiculed in their first attempt after horrible editing. This led to a Peacemaker series that has been a DC fan favorite starring John Cena. Now he has the third installment of Guardians on the way along with another season of Peacemaker, both are highly anticipated. Not to mention a Guardian holiday special.
Safran rose to the top as a manager, which included Gunn as a client. He was a producer of the $1 billion grossing Aquaman and the upcoming sequel. As we as The Suicide Squad, Shazam! and the sequel, and Peacemaker. He has been around at Warner Bros. for about a decade, including the $2 billion Conjuring horror franchise.
“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. Gunn and Safran said in a statement.
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.” They said.
Gunn and Safran will work with the other top executives including those from TV, HBO Max, US Networks Group, content officer, consumer products, and interactive entertainment. According to THR the hiring move is effective on November 1. The news also comes hours after Marvel Studios released their Gunn-helmed Guardians holiday special.
After the release of Black Adam last week, next up for DC is Shazam! Fury of the Gods in March.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
