Controlling the DC Universe Warner Bros. Discovery is now in the hands of James Gunn and Peter Safran.
At DC Studios, James Gunn and Peter Safran will spearhead the development and implementation of a long-term plan for many DC Comics-owned properties to continue the broadcast media tradition of quality DC Universe storytelling while building sustainable business growth from an iconic brand. In addition to their executive duties, they will develop, direct and produce various projects. In their new roles, they will also work alongside Channing Dungey, Chairman of Warner Bros Television Group, Casey Bloys, President and CEO of HBO and HBO Max Content, Kathleen Finch, President and Chief Content Officer of US Networks Group, Pam Lifford,
DC Shocker: James Gunn and Peter Safran to Lead Film, Television and Animation (Exclusive) https://t.co/7YLU99MjBP
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) October 25, 2022
David Zaslav, President and CEO of Warner Bros Discovery, said:
DC has some of the most interesting, powerful and iconic characters in the world and I’m thrilled to have the exceptional and complementary talents of James Gunn and Peter Safran join our world class team to oversee the creative direction of the legendary DC Universe. Their decades of filmmaking experience, strong ties to the creative community, and proven results that delight superhero fans around the world make them the most qualified people to develop a long-term strategy for film, television, and animation, as well as to develop this iconic franchise. next level of creative storytelling.
Warner Bros. Discovery backs DC Studios with experiments by James Gunn and Peter Safran
- James Gunn is responsible for an extensive portfolio of critically acclaimed films and series, including the superhero black comedy Super, the Marvel films Guardians of the Galaxy and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, which were huge successes, DC’s Suicide Squad and the HBO Max spin-off series The Peacemaker. With the release of The Suicide Squad in 2021, he became the first director to direct a film for both the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the DC Universe.
- Peter Safran has produced numerous films for Warner Bros., New Line Cinema, and other notable film studios, including DC’s highest-grossing film Aquaman and its upcoming sequel Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom; Shazam and its upcoming sequel Shazam: Fury of the Gods or The Suicide Squad
Kevin Feige reacts to James Gunn leaving DC Studios
Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige spoke about the appointment of James Gunn to head DC Studios along with Peter Safran:
I talk to him almost every day. We have a wonderful thing coming out called Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will be released next May. I don’t know if he will have time to work with DC in the next few months, but when he has time, I will be very happy for him. I will be first in line to see his new designs.