Written by Kianna Best on Oct 26, 2022. Posted in Production News

James Gunn and Peter Safran named co-chairmen and CEOs of DC Studios

Industry superpowers James Gunn and Peter Safran have been appointed as co-chairmen and chief executive officers of DC Studios, . In their new roles, they will oversee the overall creative direction of the DC universe as featured in film, tv and animation. Their leadership will commence on 1 November.

Image courtesy of Warner Media

Zaslav commented: “DC has among the most entertaining, powerful, and iconic characters in the world and 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,” commented   David Zaslav, President and Chief Executive Officer of Warner Bros. Discovery. “Their decades of experience in filmmaking, close ties to the creative community, and proven track record thrilling superhero fans around the globe make them uniquely qualified to develop a long-term strategy across film, TV, and animation, and take this iconic franchise to the next level of creative storytelling.”

Gunn’s decades long career as a writer, director and producer has contributed to an impressive roster of projects, dating back to Scooby Doo and his long standing involvement with The Guardians of the Galaxy. The filmmaker is also the first person to direct a movie both in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and DC Universe.

Safran has been involved in DC projects including the franchise’s highest grossing movie, Aquaman and its upcoming sequel, Shazam, The Suicide Squad, Annabelle and the entire Conjuring universe. The producers The Safran Company recently re-upped its deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, with four theatrical releases planned for the upcoming year.

Gunn and Safran commented: “We’re honored to be the stewards of these DC characters we’ve loved since we were children. We look forward to collaborating 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. Our commitment to Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Harley Quinn, and the rest of the DC stable of characters is only equaled by our commitment to the wonder of human possibility these characters represent. We’re excited to invigorate the theatrical experience around the world as we tell some of the biggest, most beautiful, and grandest stories ever told. We’re especially enthusiastic about doing all of this with Mike, Pam, Casey, Channing, and the whole Warner Bros. Discovery team, and are grateful to David Zaslav, whose bold vision for the future of the franchise we share and allows for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Most of all, we can’t wait to bring you all into the story of the DCU.”

Taking on their new positions, Gunn and Safran will take on the executive responsibilities of the development and execution of high end story telling through the franchise. In addition they will also continue in their directorial and production roles. Working alongside a slew of collaborators, the two new additions with join forces with Channing Dungey, Chairman of Warner Bros. Television Group, Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO of HBO and HBO Max Content ,Kathleen Finch, Chairman and Chief Content Officer at US Networks Group, Pam Lifford, President of Warner Bros. Discovery Consumer Products, and David Haddad, President of Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.