The Flash trailer reintroduces Michael Keaton as Batman

Claire Peterson on February 13, 2023

The Flash – As Marvel takes a backseat on the big screen, DC decided to step up this year with the release of four projects.

One of the most anticipated films this year is The Flash, directed by Andy Muschietti.

The Scarlet Speedster’s first solo feature, despite various challenges during production, was highly awaited by many once the first official teaser was made public and went viral online.

The movie

Before the trailer aired, the Flash production had a number of problems.

Directors and writers would leave the project as soon as they were associated with it.

Thankfully, the project’s writer and director were decided to be Christina Hodson and Andy Muschietti.

The Argentine horror director proved to be a good choice, as seen by the positive responses for the teaser.

But still, the trailer for the movie coming out in June is obviously influenced by Geoff Johns’ Flashpoint books.

Ezra Miller and Ben Affleck are reunited in the film, which also ushers in James Gunn and Peter Safran’s new DC Universe.

The trailer

The Flash trailer’s opening sequence has Barry Allen (Ezra Miller) in a brand-new outfit standing in front of his childhood home.

In a series of montages, viewers see the young Barry’s mother die while also learning about Barry’s potential for traveling to other worlds and his desire to stay there.

He is then shown talking with Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) about using time travel to change his mother’s course in life.

Bruce cautions Barry that there could be consequences, but Barry goes on with his plans.

The timeline has been altered, with some changes but also without Superman; he discovers when he runs into himself.

While Supergirl (Sasha Calle) makes her live debut in a gloomy jail, Barry struggles with the realization that he created a world without metahumans.

He has also traveled back to the period when General Zod (Michael Shannon) first steps foot on Earth.

Barry uses his other self to help him find Bruce Wayne, but instead he discovers Michael Keaton’s portrayal of Bruce Wayne, who says the iconic catchphrase “I’m Batman.”

They cooperate to track out the imprisoned Supergirl.

In a series of montages, the two Barrys and a costumed Supergirl—whose look was inspired by Bruno Redondo’s illustrations from the Injustice comics—set out to face Zod.

Batman returns

Even though Ben Affleck plays Batman in the DC Extended Universe, Michael Keaton reprises his role as the famous actor who is undeniably one of the best to wear the Bat cowl in The Flash.

Bruce Wayne is initially seen in the Batcave when the two Barrys go looking for the first Barry.

Although Keaton is wearing the Batman outfit that made him famous, it’s the Batman theme by Danny Elfman that truly makes people feel nostalgic.

Praise & changes

The Flash is officially ready for its cinematic debut after running into a few challenges.

James Gunn, who had already watched the film, said:

“I will say here that Flash is probably one of the greatest superhero movies ever made.”

Last year, test audiences gave the film reviews that were on par with those of Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy, earning acclaim from industry insiders.

The Flash’s climax was modified to accommodate Gunn and Safran’s new concepts, and a special DC character was later inserted during a subsequent shoot.

A few of the omitted characters include:

Batman (Michael Keaton)
Supergirl (Sasha Calle)
Superman (Henry Cavill)
Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot)

The Flashpoint parallels

The Flash movie’s plot and Geoff Johns’ 2011 Flashpoint series are remarkably similar.

In the comics, Flash travels back in time to avert his mother’s demise.

The comics and the movie differ mostly in the following ways:

Involvement of Eobard Thawne / Reverse Flash
The Atlantean and Amazonian War was not present
In the prison, Superman is substituted with Supergirl.
Michael Keaton’s Bruce Wayne, who replaces Thomas Wayne in the comics

Even if Reverse Flash isn’t mentioned, The Black Racer, the corporeal embodiment of death from the Speed Force, is anticipated to appear.

Based on his attire, Barry Allen could be the Reverse Flash in the parallel reality.

Reverse Flash’s participation, if any, has yet to be confirmed.

Cinemas will screen The Flash on June 16, 2023.

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Matt Reeves to hold talks with Gunn and Safran

Edward Anderson on February 6, 2023

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Matt Reeves: The hiring of James Gunn and Peter Safran as co-heads has impacted the ambience at DC Studios.

With his most recent choice to revamp the DCEU and eliminate characteristics created by Zack Snyder, Gunn has stirred much debate.

Along with the Snyderverse, Matt Reeves’ management of The Batman series has courted concerns.

However, Reeves did confirm that he would meet with the DC Studios co-heads.

The director

Matt Reeves has produced, directed, and written a number of hits.

His most well-known works include executive producing “Felicity,” “Cloverfield,” “Let Me In,” “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” and “War for the Planet of the Apes,” among others.

Over the course of his career, he has been nominated for several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture for “War for the Planet of the Apes.”

Reeves recently honored the 15th anniversary of Cloverfield in an interview with Steven Weintraub of Collider.

The filmmaker said during the session that he would meet with James Gunn and Peter Safran.

The major topic of conversation will be the state of the BatVerse.

He reassured the crowd that Robert Pattinson’s Batman and the new DC Universe will live side by side.

The Batman

A brand-new Batman universe was introduced to movie theaters in 2022 by Matt Reeves.

He took over from Ben Affleck and changed the course of the prominent DC character.

The Batman centered on a detective tale that chronicled Bruce Wayne’s emotional development as it was portrayed by Robert Pattinson.

The Batman was a box office success despite concerns amid the pandemic that hit cinemas.

Warner Bros. consequently requested Matt Reeves to create a sequel and spinoff series.

Changes in DC

The Warner Bros. Discovery merge shook the DC universe as The Batman made his movie debut, with an announcement to start the cinematic universe over .

Due to Matt Reeves’ multi-year contract with Warner Bros., The BatVerse appears to have a completely different outcome while other projects were shelved.

Following the concurrent promotion of Gunn and Safran to executive positions, concerns were expressed in DC Studio regarding Reeves’ Batman in the ten-year plan for motion pictures, television series, and video games.

However, Matt Reeves disclosed that the sequel is still in the works.

The Penguin series, starring Colin Farrell, is another project that the director intends to release this year and will also look at the wider BatVerse.

Despite the good news, Reeves will discuss his limited capacity to control the BatVerse with Gunn and Safran.

“They [Gunn and Safran] have been great,” said Reeves.

“We’re actually supposed to meet in the next few weeks because they want to talk to me about the broad plan, and then they want to hear the BatVerse plan.”

“We’re just going to talk about all of that. Look, I’m excited to hear what they’re going to do.”

“The BatVerse thing, as James has said, and as Peter has said, is kind of its own thing they’re letting us do.”

An Elseworld approach

Gunn and Safran expressed their aim to combine every DC Studios film into a one, cohesive saga when they took on their new positions.

Then they made the polarizing decision to oust Henry Cavill as Superman and completely scrap Wonder Woman 3.

The DC co-heads will presumably use an “Elseworlds” approach with Matt Reeves’ projects.

Under the banner of “Elseworlds,” DC Comics publishes tales that don’t correspond to the DC Universe’s main timeline.

In a variety of genres and styles, these stories frequently make use of a wide range of established people and situations.

Reeves said that they would talk about the co-heads’ 10-year plan and his aspirations for the BatVerse at the forthcoming meeting.

“I had this dream for the way I wanted that to play out and that’s part of what I’m going to be talking to them about in a few weeks,” said the director.

“They’re going to be talking to me about what they’re doing in their ten-year plan or certainly what’s in the near future as well so that we can understand that we’re not – it’s air traffic control – we don’t want to be crashing into each other.”

“We want to support each other. I’m super excited. I’m really excited to hear about what they’re doing and to be working with them. It’s going to be cool.”

Reference:

Matt Reeves to meet with James Gunn & Peter Safran for “BatVerse”

DC Studios finally has plans revealed

Jason Robinson on February 6, 2023

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DC Studios: Ever since James Gunn and Peter Safran became the new senior executives of DC Studios, they have been preparing to push DC in a new direction.

They recently presented a new lineup of movies and TV series, which includes a few projects.

Superman is anticipated to resume flight in 2025, while Themyscira, Wonder Woman’s home island, is projected to have conflict comparable to that of Game of Thrones.

Damian Wayne will also make his long-awaited debut in a Batman film.

Plans

Since taking over DC Studios three months ago, Gunn and Safran have been very active combining the film, television, animation, and gaming sectors of DC IP.

To create a story that would unite the DC Universe, they started from zero, broke ties with subsequent projects and creators, and set up a writers’ room.

One of the supposed plans is marketed as the beginning of their ultimate objective.

The outcome was Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters, which gave rise to other projects.

What the DC executives really revealed on February 1 was a combination of staple heroes and lesser-known characters.

“One of our strategies is to take our diamond characters – which is Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman – and we use them to prop up other characters that people don’t know,” said Gunn.

“To build those lesser-known properties into the diamond properties of tomorrow,” added Safran.

They did, nonetheless, also publish a warning that the proposed Chapter 1 plan may be revised.

Development

The most recent proposal for the new DC universe, which was developed by the group of writers that included James Gunn’s friends and other writers he admired, includes:

Drew Goddard (The Martian)
Christina Hodson (The Flash)
Jeremy Slater (Moon Knight)
Christal Henry (Watchmen)
Tom King (Batman)

Before the group’s efforts can be realized, four DC movies are also slated to be released this year, including:

Shazam! Fury of the Gods (March 17)
The Flash (June 16)
Blue Beetle (August 18)
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (December 25)

The four films received the former leader Walter Hamada’s endorsement.

According to James Gunn, the four leading actors could eventually return to their roles in subsequent DCU projects.

“There is nothing that prohibits that from happening,” he said.

Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters

The following is a list of the first wave of movies DC will make.

Creature Commandos

James Gunn wrote the script for the seven-episode animated series Creature Commandos, which is now in production.

Although the voice actors have not yet been selected, they will most likely portray the live-action equivalents in later films and television programs.

Waller

Viola Davis will return to the screen in the acclaimed Peacemaker spinoff series as the ruthless titular character.

Christal Henry and Jeremy Carver, the creator of Doom Patrol, will pen the show’s screenplays.

Superman: Legacy

Another James Gunn-written picture, The Superman movie, will introduce the brand-new DC Universe.

“It’s not an origin story,” Safran assured. “It focuses on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with hsi human upbringing.”

“He is the embodiment of truth, justice, and the American way. He is kindness in a world that thinks that kindness is old-fashioned.

Superman: Legacy will be made available to the general public on July 11, 2025.

Lanterns

Greg Berlanti’s creation of the Green Lanterns TV series will be replaced with Lanterns, a fresh vision of the interplanetary organization.

“Our vision for this is very much in the vein of True Detective,” described Safran. “It’s terrestrial-based.”

Lanterns, one of the most prominent television programs currently in development, will feature a number of notable characters, including Hal Jordan and John Stewart.

“This plays a really big role in leading into the main story we are telling across film and TV.”

The Authority

A band of superheroes who take extreme measures to protect the planet will be the focus of the movie’s narrative, which will be similar to that of Guardians of the Galaxy.

“One of the few things of the DCU is that it’s not just a story of heroes and villains,” said Gunn.

“Not every film and TV show is going to be about good guy versus bad guy, giant things from the sky come, and good guy wins.”

“There are white hats, black hats, and gray hats.”

“They are kinda like Jack Nicholson in A Few Good Men,” said Safran. “They know that you want them on the wall. Or at least, they believe that.”

Paradise Lost

The Wonder Woman movies are set several years before the Themyscira-based television series.

According to Gunn and Safran, Paradise Lost is a Game of Thrones-style political intrigue drama.

The Brave and the Bold

The Grant Morrison Batman series, which made Damian Wayne famous, was used as a template for the movie.

“This is the introduction of the DCU Batman, of Bruce Wayne,” said Gunn.

“[It] also introduces our favorite Robin, Damian Wayne, who is a little son of a bitch.”

“It’s a very strange father-and-son story.”

The Batman Part II

On October 3, 2025, the Matt Reeves film, which is based on the Elseworld storylines, will be released.

Robert Pattinson will embody the Dark Knight of Gotham City in the sequel.

Booster Gold

The HBO Max series will center on the lesser-known hero from the future.

“It’s about a loser from the future who uses basic future technology to come back to today and pretend to be a superhero,” they described.

Booster Gold was referred to by James Gunn as “imposter syndrome as a superhero.”

Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow

Supergirl makes her first appearance since Helen Slater in 1984 movie.

“We will see the difference between Superman, who was sent to earth and raised by loving parents from the time he was an infant, versus Supergirl, raised on a rock, a chip off of Krypton, and who watched everyone around her die and be killed in terrible ways for the first 14 years of her life and then come to earth,” the DC Studios heads said.

“She is much more hardcore, and not the Supergirl we’re used to.”

Swamp Thing

The horror film that ends DC Studios’ debut—not to be confused with the television series—will be Swamp Thing.

DC update: Shazam and Wonder Woman uncertain of future

Leah Cooper on January 16, 2023

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DC: The DC Extended Universe is in shambles as Marvel’s toughest rival has been trying to catch up with them for the past ten years.

Officials from Warner Bros. weren’t pleased with the outcome, despite the fact that director Zack Snyder had a very clear vision of what he wanted to achieve.

Instead of creating the complex world that Snyder had in mind, they opted to mimic the MCU.

DC was in a dreadful situation following the Justice League debacle in 2017, and fans had no idea what would unfold next.

By selecting Peter Safran and James Gunn, who would both manage a dual post at the senior levels, DC decided to get back on track this year.

However, their attempts to change the DC universe’s well-established landscape have sparked a lot of internet antagonism.

The Shazam situation

At DC Studios, there have been a lot of recent noteworthy changes.

As soon as Gunn opted against producing a third Wonder Woman movie, Gal Gadot had to hold back her initial delight.

The people were upset that Henry Cavill wouldn’t be reprising his role as Superman.

The revelation shocked his supporters because his comeback had just recently been formally announced.

In 2023, Shazam actor Zachary Levi will make a comeback to the big screen to play the original Captain Marvel.

Like everyone else, he is weighing how he feels about his status in DC.

By stating that Levi is “a grandfather” by James Gunn’s standards, one Twitter user drew attention to Levi’s age.

The actor who plays Shazam responded as follows: “Ageist.”

Gunn’s changes

James Gunn has faced criticism since he and Peter Safran were selected as co-presidents.

The largest being Cavill’s forced departure from the role of Superman.

In a reboot that will focus on the Man of Steel’s formative years, James Gunn claims that he plans to focus on Superman.

The debate over the decision to cancel Wonder Woman 3 and Jason Momoa’s Aquaman film series grew more heated.

Black Adam’s fate is yet unknown, although the Flashpoint Paradox is likely to be a major factor in the reboot.

Gunn did, however, acknowledge that prior to accepting the promotion, he was aware of the requirements:

“One of the things Peter & I were aware of when we took the job as heads of DC Studios was a certain minority of people online that could be, well, uproarious & unkind to say the least.”

“Our choices for the DCU are based upon what we believe is best for the story & best for the DC characters who have been around for nearly 85 years.”

“Perhaps these choices are great, perhaps not, but they are made with sincere hearts & integrity & always with the story in mind.”

“No one loves to be harassed or called names – but, to be frank, we’ve been through significantly worse. Disrespectful outcry will never, ever affect our actions.”

“We were aware there would be a period of turbulence when we took this gig, & we knew we would sometimes have to make difficult & not-so-obvious choices, especially in the wake of the fractious nature of what came before us.”

“But this means little to us in comparison to our jobs as artists & custodians in helping to create a wide & wonderful future for DC.”

What’s next for Wonder Woman?

The third Wonder Woman film by director Patty Jenkins has already been shelved, among other changes at DC Studios.

Despite the sequel’s inevitable termination, Gal Gadot might return to the role of Princess Diana.

Recently, Gunn addressed allegations that Gal Gadot and Henry Cavill were snubbed.

“I’m not sure where you’re getting that we ‘booted’ Gal,” he wrote.

In a statement she published a few days previously, the actress emphasized her excitement for the third installment of the Themysciran princess’s saga.

Despite the fact that the eagerly anticipated sequel won’t happen, there is still a chance that the first superheroine to appear on the big screen will continue her journey.

References:

Shazam actor Zachary Levi responds to claims he’s being kicked out of DC universe

James Gunn denies rumors that Gal Gadot won’t be returning as Wonder Woman

James Gunn slams fans who are angry with his recent decisions for the DC Extended Universe

The Flash might remain with the new DCU

Leah Cooper on January 10, 2023

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The Flash: Movies based on comic book characters and stories are referred to as comic book movies or superhero movies.

In recent years, these films have grown in popularity, with multiple adaptations of well-known comic book characters like Batman, Superman, and Spider-Man made by big Hollywood studios.

As early as the 1970s, DC was at the forefront of comic book movies.

Marvel’s MCU helped it become incredibly popular, but DC has been following closely after with its own distinct cinematic universe.

The Flash is one of the next DC films released in theaters this year.

James Gunn

Since becoming the co-president of DC, James Gunn has been in charge of dismantling many of the elements that Zack Snyder established.

Henry Cavill, who plays Superman, attended a meeting with Gunn to learn of their new plan.

Ben Affleck will no longer play the main continuity Batman, while Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman 3 has been shelved.

It was rumored that Jason Momoa might make his return as Lobo.

In James Gunn’s revised DC Universe, it seems that only Ezra Miller will continue to play The Flash.

Production

Although the film adaptation of The Flash was first announced in October 2014, it took over ten years to reach theaters.

The movie has gone through numerous stages of development since then.

Initially scheduled for release last year, The Flash was delayed by Warner Bros.

HBO Discovery postponed it till the summer of 2023 for post-production difficulties.

Miller

The numerous legal issues involving Ezra Miller are one of the most likely reasons for the film’s controversy.

Before receiving court orders for their altercation with Tokata Iron Eyes, The Flash actor encountered legal issues in Hawaii.

Miller was accused of threatening a woman and her family in the middle of 2022.

Guns, bullets, and marijuana were all around the actor’s Vermont farm, which was also the center of controversy.

They were eventually indicted in Vermont with felony burglary.

Ezra Miller has now undergone mental health therapy and issued a public apology, but their actions made the DC project a contentious release.

The news

There have been rumors about Ezra Miller’s potential involvement with the Flash franchise since the movie is scheduled to enter theaters this year.

According to Variety, several Warner Bros. officials are open to continuing with the actor after the movie is out.

Despite the legal issues, there remained doubt whether Ezra Miller would continue to play Barry Allen following the standalone film.

Reboot

Whether it was CEO David Zaslav or Warner Bros. Picture Heads Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy, which officials approved, is unknown.

Ezra Miller’s chance of a long-term position is not guaranteed, regardless of which executive it is.

Gal Gadot is the lone actor still on board when word broke that Henry Cavill will no longer be playing the Man of Steel.

James Gunn has yet to disclose his Wonder Woman movie plans.

Aquaman, played by Jason Momoa, might depart soon and might reappear as Lobo.

After the standalone Flash movie, Ezra Miller’s return to the Justice League won’t make sense if the team is going to start over again.

James Gunn or Peter Safran has not yet referenced the executives who support Miller’s comeback.

The new DCU

James Gunn has said that a new DCU is coming, regardless of how well The Flash does at the box office.

It would make sense for DC to adopt an “Elseworlds” strategy for the forthcoming movie and its sequels.

Similar to the Arrowverse, which lives outside the main continuity, the previous DCU, or essentially the Snyderverse, might coexist with the new one.

If the studio is amenable to the idea, the Flash franchise can continue to exist regardless of what the new DCU does.

Aside from the Elseworld films, Ezra Miller’s reputation continues to be a barrier to their DC icon role.

The fact that they underwent mental health treatment and expressed their regrets may not be sufficient for DC Studios to continue working with Miller.

Reference:

Ezra Miller may continue as The Flash in James Gunn’s new DCU

Henry Cavill breaks news, he won’t return as Superman

Leah Cooper on January 10, 2023

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When Henry Cavill announced that he would return to the role of Superman, the most iconic figure in comic books, he caused a stir.

His inclusion in Dwayne Johnson’s Black Adam appears to support his assertion.

Cavill would not be returning, according to James Gunn, one of the two new heads of DC Studios.

Gunn also revealed that while DC would produce a new Superman project, Cavill would not return.

The announcement

James Gunn provided fans with updates on DC’s trajectory with a series of tweets today.

“Peter & I have a DC slate ready to go, which we couldn’t be more over-the-moon about,” he started.

“We’ll be able to share some exciting information about our first new projects at the beginning of the new year.”

“Among the slate is Superman,” Gunn continued.

“In the initial stages, our story will be focusing on an earlier part of Superman’s life, so the character will not be played by Henry Cavill.”

Those following Henry Cavill since Man of Steel in 2013 felt their stomachs flip as they read the news.

Gunn left a glimmer of hope, so it wasn’t all terrible.

“But we had just a great meeting with Henry and we’re big fans and we talked about a number of exciting possibilities to work together in the future.”

Cavill confirms grim news

Amid everything, Henry Cavill posted a lengthy statement on his Instagram page informing followers of the shocking news, which affected thousands, if not millions, of people.

“I have just had a meeting with James Gun and Peter Safran and it’s sad news, everyone,” Cavill began.

“I will, after all, not be returning as Superman.”

“After being told by the studio to announce my return back in October, prior to their hire, this news isn’t the easiest, but that’s life.”

“The changing of the guard is something that happens. I respect that.”

“James and Peter have a universe to build. I wish them and all involved with the new universe the best of luck, and the happiest of fortunes.”

In true Superman fashion, Henry Cavill exhorted supporters to maintain their composure.

“For those who have been by my side through the years… we can mourn for a bit, but then we must remember… Superman is still around.”

“Everything he stands for still exists, and the examples he sets for us are still there!”

“My turn to wear the cape has passed, but what Superman stands for never will. It’s been a fun ride with you all, onwards and upwards.”

The Witcher

Henry Cavill announced his resignation as the Man of Steel two months after declaring his final appearance as Geralt of Rivia for the third season of the Netflix series.

Cavill agreed to the revised casting, which saw Liam Hemsworth playing the role.

The English actor wrote in support of Hemsworth’s takeover:

“As with the greatest of literary characters, I pass the torch with reverence for the time spent embodying Geralt and enthusiasm to see Liam’s take on this most fascinating and nuanced of men.”

Reaction

When Gunn stated that Henry Cavill wouldn’t return as the “big blue boy scout,” Twitter erupted since viewers had anticipated seeing him face off against Black Adam and Darkseid.

One user wrote:

“I was so devastated by henry cavill leaving the witcher but now even more devastated he’s out on two roles he absolutely loved.”

“Truly tho [sic] what a sad night and one of the unfortunate eras for a Superman actor,” wrote another.

“Absolutely just disheartening and just unbelievable, and I can’t believe it happened, but Henry Cavill, u will always be our Superman, and we’ll miss you.”

A third chimed in, saying:

“Henry Cavill is Superman. He loves the character. He’s perfect for the role. The fans love him.”

“I have no idea how they possibly think it’s a good idea to not continue with him. Unbelievable. So much untapped potential. Hope has officially been lost.”

One fan lamented Cavill’s loss, especially with his herculean build, which gave him the Superman look, saying:

“It’s to bad Henry Cavill is no longer superman, it feels like they only scratch the surface of what he could do with the character.”

“The man looked incredible as Superman.”

One Twitter user thought the studio’s decision to have him announce his comeback before letting him go from the role was hysterically dumb.

“Completely fine with both Henry Cavill staying and going as Superman,” he wrote.

“But my god, not only having him return and officially address it, but basically running a subliminal marketing campaign around said return, only to fire him 6 weeks later, is so hilariously stupid.”

Others complied with the situation because they understood how crucial commerce was to the entertainment industry’s survival.

“So, Henry Cavill is Superman no more. I’m devastated. But it is what it is. It’s not called Show friends, it’s called Show business,” they wrote.

“I’m interested what @JamesGunn and Paul does for DC Studios. Start with a clean slate is great.”

Another person wrote in agreement:

“Damn. It sucks we lost Henry Cavill as Superman but I’m super excited to see what James Gunn has cooked up.”

References:

James Gunn’s official Twitter thread

Henry Cavill reveals he’s done as Superman after being ‘told to announce his return’: ‘My turn to wear the cape has passed’

DC fans “devastated” that Henry Cavill is out again as Superman

DC Studios finds not one but two Co-Chairs and CEOs in James Gunn and Peter Safran

Jason Robinson on October 26, 2022

DC Studios officially names James Gunn and Peter Safran as new CEOs and Co-Chairmen after looking for Walter Hamada’s replacement.

DC Studios

The announcement means Gunn and Safran are the new leaders overseeing all future DC production.

Their additional responsibilities include creating a 10-year roadmap for DC projects across film, television, and animation.

Gunn and Safran will ensure that every upcoming project falls under the same banner.

DC Extended Universe

The Batgirl movie was canceled in August while it was in post-production.

The decision came from the renewal of Warner Bros. Discovery for their essential IPs following the company merging.

The merger was the reason Walter Hamada stepped down as DC Films president.

James Gunn and Peter Safran’s new roles fill the void Hamada left.

James Gunn

Gunn moved from Marvel to DC and handled The Suicide Squad, earning critical acclaim and praise.

The film’s success led to the equally successful Peacemaker series on HBO Max.

Both projects achieved milestones that gave Peacemaker approval for a second season.

A spin-off series is also in development.

It revolves around Amanda Waller, with Viola Davis returning for the role.

James Gunn’s new role at DC Studios means he will oversee DC Films and pave the way for a more cohesive cinematic universe.

Peter Safran

Safran has been producing DC projects for several years now.

Two of his most significant contributions are Aquaman and Shazam!

Their success came at the box office as DC sought to distance itself from the Snyderverse.

Peter Safran produced The Suicide Squad and served as executive producer on Gunn’s Peacemaker series.

He is currently producing new projects like Shazam! Fury of the Gods, Blue Beetle, and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.

Gunn and Safran’s roles in DC Studios

Gunn and Safran will report directly to the president and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, David Zaslav.

The two will also work closely with Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy, co-presidents and CEOs of Warner Bros. MovieGroup.

Zaslav looks forward to working with the duo and says:

“DC has among the most entertaining, powerful, and iconic characters in the world.”

“I am thrilled to have the singular and complementary talents of James and Peter joining our world-class team and overseeing the creative direction of the storied DC Universe.”

Zaslav praised their experience, deep ties to creative communities, and track record with fans.

He says their achievements helped them get their new positions.

Reference:

James Gunn & Peter Safran named heads of DC Studios