DC Studios heads James Gunn and Peter Safran will continue to lead the production hub following the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Skydance.
Key facts
- •James Gunn and Peter Safran were appointed to lead DC Studios in October 2022.
- •Skydance co-CEO David Ellison visited the set of 'Man of Tomorrow' in Atlanta over the summer.
- •The 'Lanterns' series premiere has been viewed by more than 20 million people globally.
- •The 'Clayface' movie is scheduled for release on October 23.
- •Gunn's previous Superman film grossed more than $618 million at the global box office.
James Gunn and Peter Safran are set to continue leading DC Studios following the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Skydance. The duo met with Skydance co-CEO David Ellison, who expressed support for their ongoing work at the film, television, and comic book production label. While their exact reporting structure within the new conglomerate remains to be finalized, the move ensures continuity for the studio's current slate of projects.
By the numbers
Leadership and Organizational Changes
Following the merger, Skydance has positioned DC as a key brand alongside its other major assets. While Gunn and Safran have been asked to continue their current roles, the organizational hierarchy for the studio is still being determined. It is currently unclear if they will report directly to Ellison or to Paramount Pictures co-chairs Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein, who are expected to oversee the company's film units. Meanwhile, the future of Warner Bros. motion picture chairs Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy remains uncertain.
Upcoming Projects and Performance
The studio is currently focused on several high-profile releases, including the horror-thriller 'Clayface,' scheduled for October 23, and the Superman sequel 'Man of Tomorrow,' set for July 9, 2027. Gunn is currently directing the latter project. Additionally, the series 'Lanterns' has emerged as a ratings success for HBO Max, with the pilot reaching over 20 million viewers worldwide since its August 16 premiere. These projects follow a mixed performance for recent DC releases, including the underperformance of 'Supergirl' and the 2023 titles 'The Flash' and 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.'
Timeline
- October 2022James Gunn and Peter Safran were appointed to lead DC Studios.
- August 16The series Lanterns premiered on HBO Max.
- October 23The film Clayface is scheduled for release.
- July 9, 2027The Superman sequel Man of Tomorrow is set for release.
- February 18, 2028The Batman Part II is scheduled for release.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Deadline, Hollywood Reporter.
