Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav had been searching for his very own Kevin Feige to take control of the DC Universe, which proved to be easier said than done. Several executives were in talks to take on the role, but each passed on the opportunity. In a surprising move, the studio announced today via THR that James Gunn and Peter Safran have been appointed as Co-Chairmen and Chief Executive Officers of DC Studios and will oversee the creative direction of the DC Universe across all platforms.
James Gunn and Peter Safran will be reporting directly to David Zaslav and will work closely with Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy, Co-Chairpersons and CEOs of Warner Bros. Film Group. In a joint statement, Gunn and Safran said:
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.
James Gunn and Peter Safran won’t just be overseeing the theatrical side of the DC Universe, as they’ll also have a hand in developing projects across TV and animation as well. It’s said that Gunn will be taking lead of the creative side of things, while Safran will focus on the business and production aspect. The pair will also continue to develop, direct, and produce their own projects in the DC Universe.
David Zaslav said, “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.” Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy added, “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.” Gunn and Safran’s appointment will take effect on November 1st.
You won’t find many with as much experience with superheroes as James Gunn and Peter Safran. Gunn has helmed the Guardians of the Galaxy movies 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 a number of DC projects, including Aquaman, Shazam!, and The Suicide Squad, as well as the upcoming Shazam: Fury of the Gods, Blue Beetle, and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
Do you think James Gunn and Peter Safran are good choices to oversee the DC Universe?