Gunn, Safran Near Completion of Overarching Plan for DC Studios, WB Discovery CEO Confirms

The future of the DC cinematic universe is coming together under the tutelage of James Gunn and Peter Safran. 

Warner Bros. Discover CEO David Zaslav recently provided an update on the future of DC Studios and the direction Gunn and Safran are heading. The update came during the RBC Capital Markets Global Technology, Internet, Media and Telecommunications Conference.

Zaslav said the pair started their work by creating a “bible” for the entire franchise with directions regarding stories, characters, and parameters for the overall universe. Zaslav said the duo is close to completing this project.

The Warner Bros. Discovery CEO also said he expects significant growth of the DC cinematic universe in the coming years. This expectation, he said, is largely based on the cohesive plan in development.

“I think over the next few years, you’re going to see a lot of growth and opportunity around DC; there’s not going to be four Batmans,” Zaslav said during the conference. 

“And so part of our strategy is, drive the hell out of DC, which James (Gunn) and Peter (Safran) are going to do.”

Image Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery (via Tom’s Guide)

Gunn and Safran took over most of the DC film, TV, and animation efforts in early November after the announcement surfaced in late October. The duo will spearhead all projects except for those in the Matt Reeves Batman and Todd Phillips Joker arenas.

Warner Bros. Discovery brought the pair on and created DC Studios, replacing the old DC Films. 

Gunn’s shift in focus comes with his The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special set to release on Disney Plus on Nov. 25 and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 slated for a May 5, 2023 debut. Gunn and Marvel Studio President/Chief Creative Officer both had kind words about the new dynamic.

Gunn has had his hand in DC projects in the past. He wrote and directed the 2021 reboot The Suicide Squad and its HBO Max spinoff Peacemaker

Safran produced both Aquaman and Shazam!, both of which have sequels in 2023. He is still listed as a producer on both films’ staff lists. Both Aquaman and Shazam! were some of DC’s better-performing films in recent years.

It’s no secret DC has struggled to be cohesive as it tried to build out its cinematic universe as efforts were uneven. That said, both Gunn and Safran have been involved with DC’s successes and Gunn has been a star over at Marvel in recent years.

These two could provide a solid foundation with clear direction in a way the Marvel Cinematic Universe has done for years. It’s exciting to hear the overarching plan is nearing completion and fans will definitely be excited to see what comes next.


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Sources: RBC Capital Markets (via Comic Book)

Featured Image: Warner Bros. Discovery (via CNBC)

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