DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran have caused a stir among certain Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) executives with their recent comments about the old DC regime.
Following the WBD merger, CEO David Zaslav searched for a new leader for the DC franchise, and finally appointed Gunn and Safran to serve as co-CEOs and develop a project slate for the new DCU. In just three months, the duo has developed a slate of projects that have been revealed in a major marketing push, with interesting comments from both Gunn and Safran that have reportedly frustrated some at WBD.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the DC Studios CEOs have “ruffled some feathers” with their comments about the previous management of the DC universe, with some not being “tactful.” The report states that some of those from the old regime are still in charge at WBD and there have been “ruffled feathers.” Gunn and Safran are described as “moviemakers” and “not corporate.” Gunn has been taking an unorthodox approach to his new role, swiping down Twitter rumors and holding fun polls for fans.
Gunn spoke to journalists at the private DCU slate reveal event, criticizing the past of DC as “pretty messed up” and how Warner Bros. was “giving away IP like they were party favors.” He promised that everything from the first project moving forward would be unified. He also noted his intent to avoid putting hundreds of millions of dollars into a film that is only two-thirds done.
While the search for the DC head honcho was a long one, with Zaslav reportedly approaching several candidates, Gunn and Safran seem to be working out well for both the company and fans. The reactions to the slate have been largely positive, fans are enjoying Gunn’s approach, and excitement for DC is at an all-time high. While there may be some resentment from some remaining WBD executives, Zaslav himself agreed with Gunn and Safran’s criticisms of the old regime, so the duo is likely safe.
Gunn and Safran’s criticism of the past DC management is not surprising, as fans have been doing the same for years. Despite having some of the biggest household names, the old regime failed to generate box office results, positive reception, or create a cohesive universe. Admitting the mistakes of the past was an important step for DC Studios to take to rebuild the trust of fans and show why things will be different this time around.
DC Studios’ first project, Superman: Legacy, kicks off the “Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters” on July 11, 2025. Whether it frustrates certain WBD executives or not, the new DCU under Gunn and Safran is poised for success, after years of disappointment with the old regime.
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