What James Gunn's New DC Studios Job Could Mean For Marvel
The world of comic book cinema is about to see a massive shift. DC Studios, the newly founded division of Warner Bros. meant to replace DC Films, has named director James Gunn and producer Peter Safran as their new CEOs, per The Hollywood Reporter. This news comes off Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav's hunt for a new leader to take the DC Extended Universe in a new direction following previous head Walter Hamada's decision to step down from the position following conflict with Zaslav. Infamously, Zaslav canceled the upcoming HBO Max "Batgirl" film, among several other major changes throughout the company. Gunn will be guiding the creative side of the studio's projects while Safran handles its business elements, which makes sense considering where both men originate within the industry.
Safran has had his hand in several DC projects within the last few years, including acting as a producer for "Aquaman," "Shazam!" and both films' respective upcoming sequels. With Gunn, however, the situation paints a more drastic picture, as most know the eccentric filmmaker for his involvement within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where he helmed the "Guardians of the Galaxy" films and specials. However, in 2018, following a temporary removal from Marvel, Gunn would go on to direct the DC film "The Suicide Squad" which was released in 2021 to critical acclaim, followed by the HBO Max spin-off series "Peacemaker." So what does this change mean for the creator and his ties with Marvel moving forward?
Gunn might be closing the door on the MCU
Even before James Gunn was brought on as co-CEO and co-chair of DC Studios, his time with Marvel seemed to be ending. Gunn was brought back to Marvel after being briefly fired, and he got to helm the upcoming "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3." However, Gunn has stated that he intends for the film to be the last "Guardians" entry with his involvement. On top of this, the exclusive deal between Gunn and DC is reported to last for four years.
"We're honored to be the stewards of these DC characters we've loved since we were children," Gunn and co-CEO 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 ... 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."
The news comes right after the release of DC's "Black Adam" and the same day as the trailer release for the Gunn-directed "The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special." Despite this, Gunn has stated in the past that he has been working with Marvel on developing different projects (via CinemaBlend). Whether these projects come to fruition during his tenure at DC is unclear, but regardless, we can't wait to see what Gunn has in store.