The CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery’s David Zaslav was looking for his very own Kevin Feige to take over the DC Universe, which turned out to be easier said than done. Several executives were in talks to take on the role, but each passed up the opportunity. In a surprising move, the studio announced today via THR that James Gunn and Peter Safran have been named co-presidents and CEOs of DC Studios and will oversee the creative direction of the DC Universe across all platforms.
James Gunn and Peter Safran will report directly to David Zaslav and work closely with Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy, Co-Chairmen and CEOs of Warner Bros. Movie Group. In a joint statement, Gunn and Safran said:
We’re honored to be stewards of these DC characters we’ve loved since we were kids. We look forward to collaborating with the world’s most talented writers, directors and actors to create an integrated, multi-layered 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 stable of DC characters is matched only by our commitment to the marvel of human possibility that these characters represent. We are thrilled to reinvigorate the theatrical experience around the world by telling some of the biggest, finest and grandest stories ever told. We’re especially excited to do all of this with Mike, Pam, Casey, Channing and the entire Warner Bros. team. Discovery, and are grateful to David Zaslav, whose bold vision for the future of the franchise we share and allows this the opportunity of a lifetime. Above all, we can’t wait to bring you the story of the DCU.
James Gunn and Peter Safran will not only oversee the theatrical side of the DC Universe, as they will also help develop projects across television and animation. Gunn is said to be leading the creative side of things, while Safran will focus on the business and production side. The duo will also continue to develop, direct and produce their own projects in the DC Universe.
David Zaslav said:DC are 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 legendary DC Universe. Their decades of experience in film, their strong ties to the creative community and their proven track record of enthusing superhero fans around the world make them uniquely qualified to develop a long-term strategy across film, television and film. animation, and take this iconic franchise to the next level of creative storytelling.Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy added:We couldn’t be more thrilled to have James Gunn and Peter Safran join the team and take over leadership of the DC Universe. James is a brilliant filmmaker and storyteller and Peter is an extremely successful and prolific producer. To have them both commit to working together to forge this new era for DC is a literal dream come true. We all share a very similar sensitivity and passion for this universe and the stars couldn’t have aligned better. We look forward to getting started, digging in and collaborating with these unparalleled creative minds.βThe appointment of Gunn and Safran will take effect on November 1.
You won’t find many with as much superhero experience as James Gunn and Peter Safran. Gunn led the guardians of the galaxy films for Marvel Studios, and also directed The Suicide Squad for Warner Bros. as well as the Peacemaker TV series for HBO Max. Safran has produced numerous DC projects, including Aquaman, Shazam!and The Suicide Squadas well as the next Shazam: Fury of the Gods, blue beetleand Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
Do you think James Gunn and Peter Safran are good choices to oversee the DC Universe?
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