James Gunn and Peter Safran have just been named co-chairmen and co-CEOs of DC Studios — a newly created production division that will oversee DC projects for Warner Bros. Discovery via Variety.
James Gunn and Peter Safran Press Conference
“We’re honored to be the stewards of these DC characters we’ve loved since we were children,” said Gunn and Safran. “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.”
James Gunn and Peter Safran will oversee TV, film and animation over at DC Studios. They will start their new roles on November 1, 2022 reporting to Warner Bros. Discovery president and CEO David Zaslav. Gunn and Safran will work closely with Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy, co-chairpersons and CEOs of Warner Bros. Film Group. Gunn and Safran will continue to work on other projects outside of DC.
“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 Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav. “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 is no stranger to comic book adaptions for the big and small screens. He directed films for both Marvel and DC. He is currently working on The Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 for Marvel. The trailer for the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special on Disney+ was just released. Gunn also wrote and directed The Suicide Squad for DC and created the spinoff series, Peacemaker, for HBO Max.
As for Safran, he produced several DC films including Aquaman and its upcoming sequel, Shazam and Shazam! Fury of the Gods, as well as The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker with Gunn. Safran’s production company, The Safran Company, recently renewed its deal with Warner Bros.
“We could not be more excited to have James Gunn and Peter Safran join the team and assume the leadership of the DC Universe,” De Luca and Abdy said. “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.”
Perhaps this might be the boost that DC needs to take their game to the next level. Dwayne Johnson’s Black Adam premiered last weekend and the actor confirmed the movie will start phase one of the DCEU. Audiences who watched the film had the chance to see the return of Henry Cavill as Superman. On Instagram, Cavill confirmed he will be returning to the role in more DC movies.
