Following the release of ‘Black Adam’, both Dwayne Johnson and Henry Cavill have been promising that big things were coming from DC and now we know what they are.
James Gunn and Peter Safran have been picked by Warner Bros. Discover to run DC Studios, a newly formed Division set up to replace DC Films. They will be co-chairs and co-CEOs and over see all film, TV and animation relating to DC IP.
Gunn will head up the creative side, while Safran will concentrate on the business. Both are expected to continue to direct and produce projects, respectively. The pair will report directly to David Zaslav, the head of Warner Bros. Discovery, and work closely with Warners film bosses Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy. It is reported to be a four year deal during which time Gunn will be exclusive to DC. Safran, who also runs the Conjuring Universe of films, is still free to work on existing commitments.
At the moment it looks like existing DC films that are in production whichare set outside the DC Extended Universe, like the ‘Joker’ sequel, will remain with their existing producers. All future films will be under DC Studios control. It is unclear what this means for Matt Reeves’ ‘The Batman’ sequel.
Both Gunn and Safran are now veterans of comic book films. Gunn has made three ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy’ films for Marvel Studios as well as ‘The Suicide Squad’ and ‘Peacemaker’ for DC. Safran has produced both ‘Aquaman’ films, both ‘Shazam!’ films, as well as ‘The Suicide Squad’ and ‘Peacemaker’.
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. 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.
David Zaslav
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.
James Gunn and Peter Safran
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.
Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy
The jobs are effective from 1st November and most likely the first priority will be announcing a Henry Cavill ‘Superman’ film.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
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