Last year, James Gunn joined DC Studios to lead DC films, TV, and animation at Warner Bros. Discovery. Along with producer Peter Safran Gunn has announced the new DC era serving under the title of co-chair and co-CEOs of DC Studios with promises of new and exciting DC movies and TV shows on the line.
Gunn took over creative development at DC Studios, while Safran committed to the role of overseeing the business and production side of things. Following the takeover, they have revealed that they are going to work with the most talented writers, directors, and actors in the world to create an integrated, multilayered universe. Also, the duo has promised commitment towards Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Harley Quinn, and the rest of the DC stable of characters.
Also read: Ta-Nehisi Coates’ Black Superman Movie Could “Absolutely Happen”, Confirms James Gunn
James Gunn on Taking Over DCU
In an io9 interview, James Gunn said that he wished to take care of the DCU characters, stating that “it’s been a f**ked-up road for many of them for the past few years, and things haven’t been together.”
I really thought, it is a challenge, but I think it’s a possibility to create something really wonderful with these characters. I can’t go into politics. I can’t do anything with science. So the only thing I can do for this planet is to create stories about love. And that’s what I think that we can do over the next eight to 10 years.
On reforming the atmosphere in the studio, Gunn iterates that the history of DC studios has “been sh*t” and the journey for DC, as he described, has been “a real f**ked up.”
“I think that there was basically no one minding the mint and they were giving out IP to any creatives that, you know, smiled at whoever was in charge. There was never any real power given to the people in charge. And so somebody could always go over their head and do whatever they wanted.”
Further, Gunn hinted the reform for the scattered DCEU projects unified and to bring them under one umbrella.
The Fate of the Prominent Actors in DCEU
The fate of the prominent actors playing the leads is a huge question mark. In the following releases, many actors may not have been a part of the DC Universe. To that, Gunn said, “We’ve talked to Gal [Gadot]. She’s up for doing stuff. We’re not sure what we’re going to do with that.” However, Gunn confirmed that Henry Cavill and Ben Affleck are not going to be part of this new universe.
“It’s important to say that Henry Cavill was not fired. Henry was just not hired to be Superman in Superman [:Legacy]. There was never a deal there for another movie,” Gunn said.
Also, Jason Momoa is not going to play Lobo, “Jason will not play two characters.” adding to the statement Safran said that Momoa loves Lobo, “He’s been very clear about that, too. He’s never going to play two characters, but…” but Gunn said that they will figure it out after Aquaman 2.
While Ezra Miller playing Flash has been in huge controversy following his arrest in Hawaii and multiple allegations to his name. When asked, Peter Safran said that the Flash actor is fully committed to the recovery right now. “And, you know, we talk to them. We’re in constant contact [and] when the time is right, we’ll have the conversation with them and decide what’s best for them personally,” Safran added.
There are probably two movies and two HBO Max series to be released every year.
DCEU’s The Flash will hit cinemas on 16th June 2023. Blue Beetle is set to release on 18 August 2023 and James Wan’s Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom has a release date of 20 December 2023. While Gunn’s Superman: Legacy is under development but scheduled to release on 11 July 2025.
Source: Twitter.
