James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DC Studios Plans Teased by Warner Bros. Discovery CEO

A new era for DC movies and television shows is officially upon us, with The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker‘s James Gunn and Peter Safran recently announced to be co-leading the newly-minted DC Studios. The imprint, which will be a key part of Warner Bros. Discovery, will have Gunn and Safran oversee the vast majority of films and HBO Max television shows inspired by DC’s heroes and villains. The idea of DC having a concerted effort has led to fans becoming increasingly optimistic about what the future holds — and comments by Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav will surely strengthen that enthusiasm. During the company’s Q3 earnings call on Thursday, Zaslav praised Gunn and Safran, and teased that the pair are hard at work to create “a more unified creative approach” for DC going forward.

“[For them], running DC Studios is a passion project, not just a job,” Zaslav explained. “James is a brilliant storyteller who has the distinction of being the first and only filmmaker to direct the movie for both Marvel and DC. Peter’s a prolific producer whose credits include DC’s highest grossing movie, Aquaman, as well as the entire Conjuring universe, the most successful horror franchise of all time. I could not be more thrilled to have them join our ranks. And I’m excited for what is to come. I spent a lot of time over the last few months with James and Peter, talking about our strategy and long-term plans for the future of DC across TV, animation, and film. They have a powerful vision and blueprint that will drive a more unified creative approach. [It] will enable us to realize the full value of one of the world’s most iconic franchises. They’re hard at work right now.”

What is James Gunn’s new role at DC?

Gunn and Safran are expected to creatively and financially oversee nearly all of the next four years of upcoming movies and shows inspired by DC’s comics, outside of the Todd Phillips-helmed Joker sequel Joker: Folie a Deux. While we’ll have to wait and see exactly what new projects come up under the duo’s four-year tenure, fans and even other creatives in the superhero space are definitely excited to see what’s in store. 

“We’re honored to be the stewards of these DC characters we’ve loved since we were children,” Gunn and 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.”

What do you think of David Zaslav’s comments about James Gunn and Peter Safran’s tenure at DC Studios? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!