The hierarchy of power in the DC universe really is changing – and we’re not talking about *redacted* returning as *redacted* in Black Adam‘s mid-credits scene.
In an unforeseen turn of events, Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad filmmaker James Gunn and producer Peter Safran have been selected to lead DC’s film, TV and animation efforts as co-chairs and co-CEOs of DC Studios, the newly-formed division at Warner Bros. that will replace DC Films.
Gunn will focus on the creative side of things, writes THR, while Safran will focus on the business and production side. Both are expected to continue to direct and produce other projects. Sources say the deal runs four years and Gunn will be exclusive to DC (worry not though, Guardians Vol. 3 is already locked and loaded).
“We’re honored to be the stewards of these DC characters we’ve loved since we were children,” James Gunn and Peter Safran said in a statement. “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.”
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, meanwhile, writes in his statement: “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.”