James Gunn will now lead the DC Cinematic Universe: first movies and decisions

Goodbye DC Films, hello DC Studios. DC’s famous 10 year plan to become more like Marvel Studios has begun. And not just with a name change, but also with confirmation from Warner Bros. about who will be in charge. Two names have been chosen: James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy franchise and The Suicide Squad) and Peter Safran (producer for The Conjuring series and most of the recent DC movies like Aquaman and Shazam).

Both men will act as executive directors for DC Studios, the new division in charge of superheroes in Warner Bros. Discovery, and will only answer to David Zaslav, ex-CEO of Discovery that last week got appointed to replace the previous head of DC Films, Walter Hamada. This is an unprecedented move for the company, since never before has a director like James Gunn been given such decision power. There had been no rumors or hints in the previous months that pointed at this.

During their first statements, both cleared up that James Gunn will be in charge of the creative part, while Peter Safran will take care of “the business”. They also promised to work 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.” It looks like their main objective is to have all of the productions under the studio be coherent and related between each other, all while still giving the directors ample space to create their own personality.

Both of them signed a four year contract (until the end of 2026), during which they’ll be behind a handful of movies and series at the very least. This of course, without taking into account any new announcements and surprises they may be preparing.

DC Extended Universe release calendar

Matt Reeves Batman Universe release Calendar

Other DC releases on the way

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Source | The Hollywood Reporter