The Warner Bros. Discovery split is officially happening. By mid-2026, Warner Bros. Discovery plans to divide into two separate, publicly traded companies—Warner Bros. and Discovery Global. As a result, this bold corporate move aims to unlock more focused growth across their entertainment, sports, and news assets. In addition, the restructuring is designed to help each division operate more efficiently. In doing so, the company hopes to streamline its operations and provide greater strategic clarity for both entities moving forward.
Warner Bros. Discovery Split Confirms DC Studios’ New Home
Following the Warner Bros. Discovery split, DC Studios will remain under the Warner Bros. umbrella. At present, it is led by James Gunn and Peter Safran, and the studio will continue to oversee all live-action and animated DC projects, including films, series, and games. Moreover, this strategic decision secures its alignment with Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, HBO Max, and other major entertainment arms. Consequently, DC Studios will remain deeply integrated within Warner Bros.’ broader entertainment ecosystem, ensuring creative consistency across platforms.
Moreover, this integration allows DC’s storytelling to remain unified across platforms. As a result, it helps create a stronger, more consistent DC Universe that fans can easily follow across films, series, and games. Consequently, the audience experience becomes more immersive and interconnected than ever before.
“We will proudly continue the more than century-long legacy of Warner Bros. through our commitment to bringing culture-defining stories, characters and entertainment to audiences around the world,”
— Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav (via The Hollywood Reporter)
How the Warner Bros. Discovery Split Restructures the Company
As part of the broader strategy, the restructuring will form two distinct entities, with each having separate leadership teams and clearly defined missions. This division, in turn, aims to streamline operations and allow both Warner Bros. and Discovery Global to sharpen their individual focus.
Warner Bros. Will Oversee:
- Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group
- DC Studios
- HBO & HBO Max
- Warner Bros. Television
- Warner Bros. Games
Discovery Global Will Manage:
- CNN
- TNT Sports
- Discovery & Discovery+
- A global network portfolio in over 200 countries
“As we prepare for the launch of Discovery Global, our enthusiasm for the opportunities ahead only grows.”
— Incoming Discovery Global CEO Gunnar Wiedenfels
Leadership and Financial Strategy
Moving forward, each company will be guided by newly appointed leadership teams, thereby ensuring clear direction and strategic focus for both Warner Bros. and Discovery Global. In doing so, the companies aim to operate more efficiently while pursuing their distinct missions.
Warner Bros. Leadership:
- Pam Abdy & Mike De Luca – Co-CEOs, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group
- James Gunn & Peter Safran – Co-CEOs, DC Studios
- Casey Bloys – CEO, HBO & HBO Max
- Channing Dungey – Chair & CEO, Warner Bros. Television Group
- JB Perrette – CEO, Streaming & Games
- Avi Saxena – CTO
- Robert Gibbs – Chief Communications Officer
Discovery Global Leadership:
- Gunnar Wiedenfels – CEO
- Mark Thompson – CEO, CNN
- Luis Silberwasser – CEO, TNT Sports
- Gerhard Zeiler – President, US, UK & Germany & Chief Content Officer
To support the structural shift, Warner Bros. Discovery has secured a $17.5 billion bridge facility from J.P. Morgan. Meanwhile, Discovery Global will retain up to a 20% stake in the new Warner Bros. entity, expected to be monetized tax-efficiently.
What It Means for DC Fans
Ultimately, the Warner Bros. Discovery split could significantly benefit DC Studios in the long run. With this new structure in place, clearer ownership and strategic alignment will give the DC Universe the potential to expand more cohesively. As a result, fans can expect tighter integration between movies, shows, and games—all working together under one unified creative direction.
Although industry changes can often feel uncertain, DC’s role in this new structure seems secure. In the meantime, all eyes are on Gunn and Safran as they continue building the next chapter of the DCU.
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