James Gunn is leaving one superhero film universe for another. The Guardians of the Galaxy writer and director has been named a co-chairman and CEO of DC Studios according to Deadline.
- Both Gunn and DC films producer Peter Safran have been named Co-Chairmen and Chief Executive Officers of DC Studios.
- With these titles, they will oversee the overall creative direction of the DC Universe across film, TV, and animation under a single banner.
- DC’s newest dynamic duo will be in close correspondence with Warner Bros Film Group Co-Chairs and CEOs Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy.
- Gunn and Safran will begin in their new roles effective November 1st and will oversee the development and execution of a long-term plan for DC Comics.
- Gunn is no stranger to the DC universe, having written and directed The Suicide Squad and the corresponding spinoff series Peacemaker.
- Under this new deal, Gunn will work exclusively with Warner Discovery/DC and no longer with Marvel.
- This news comes on the heels of the release of the trailer for Gunn’s The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special and just about six months before the release Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 3.
- Gunn had made it clear in the past that he would be done with the franchise after completing his trilogy, but this seemingly shuts the door to any future return.
What they’re saying:
- Warner Discovery CEO David Zaslav: “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.”
- Gunn and 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. We’re especially enthusiastic about doing all of this with Mike, Pam, Casey, Channing, and the whole Warner Bros. Discovery team, and are grateful to David Zaslav, whose bold vision for the future of the franchise we share and allows for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Most of all, we can’t wait to bring you all into the story of the DCU.”
- Warner Bros Film Group Co-Chairs and CEOs Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy: “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.”