<p>DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and producer Peter Safran recently unveiled the first part of their vision for DCU (DC Universe), which is not just a cinematic universe, but also encompasses live-action television, animation, and even video games. The DC brand has had a rocky journey when it comes to the cinematic universe. Gunn and Safran were called "complementary" talents by Zaslav when they were hired, and indeed while Gunn grew up reading comics, Safran has a knack for financing projects with box office potential. But it is Gunn in particular who is ushering in a creative turning point in DC Extended Universe. I explain. Let's begin with the basics.</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-logan-director-james-mangold-to-direct-dcus-swamp-thing-movie-heres-what-we-know-558166">Logan director James Mangold to direct DCU's Swamp Thing movie? Here's what we know</a></strong></p>

<h2>How did James Gunn become such a big name in superhero cinema?</h2>

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<p>Gunn has been in the 'big 2' (Marvel and DC) superhero business since he helmed 2014's Guardians of the Galaxy. it is a credit to his writing and filmmaking that some of the obscure characters in the comics populated the cast of one of that year's best superhero movies. The film featured a found family of the galaxy's biggest rejects, two of whom were not even human, and one of them was a robot. And yet infused with his unique brand of humour, solid writing, and a talented cast of actors and voice actors, the film became a huge hit and also impressed critics.</p>

<p>His next for Marvel Studios, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 was an even bigger commercial success.</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wY8XcmrIujE" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>But in 2018, when the third Guardians of the Galaxy film was in development, Disney, the parent company of Marvel Studios. The reason for the ban was his old tweets in which he appeared to joke about paedophilia and rape. The tweets resurfaced after US conservatives shared them after he became vocal in his criticism of the Donald J Trump presidency. Hours after the tweets appeared, Disney ended any association with him, including the 'Guardians of the Galaxy' franchise in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This allowed Warner Bros to recruit him for a DC movie. He chose a soft reboot of the 2016 movie 'Suicide Squad'.</p>

<p>The film, called The Suicide Squad marked Gunn's return to films with a bang. It released in 2021 and starred a huge cast of actors Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, John Cena, Joel Kinnaman, Sylvester Stallone, Viola Davis, David Dastmalchian, Daniela Melchior, Michael Rooker, Jai Courtney, Peter Capaldi, Alice Braga, and Pete Davidson.</p>

<p>Apart from The Suicide Squad, Gunn also wrote and directed a John Cena-fronted spinoff series called 'Peacemaker' for HBO Max, which was also received well.</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/every-upcoming-dc-universe-movie-superman-legacy-the-flash-swamp-thing-and-more-558262">Every upcoming DC Universe movie: Superman Legacy, The Flash, Swamp Thing, and more</a></strong></p>

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<h2>How Gunn's association with DC for foreseeable future is great news for DC fans</h2>

<p>As we have established, Gunn is a really good superhero movie director. He grew up on a steady diet of comics and has repeatedly shown an uncanny knack for crafting moving stories with multiple, varied characters forgetting their differences and coming together for a common goal. With 'Peacemaker', he proved that he is good with sole characters as well if it allows him to dismantle the character in his own way and instill his irreverent humour.&nbsp;</p>

<p>DC has suffered for a long time without any lasting skipper to direct things. There have been competing visions, execs who have disagreed over the direction the properties should go in, and so on. What the company needed at this time is somebody exactly like Gunn: who has a proven track record in the genre and is a geek and knows these characters well. Under Gunn and Safran, the future of DC films is bright.</p>

<p>As you saw from the film slate Gunn and Safran unveiled, they realise that introducing marquee characters like Superman and Batman all of a sudden may backfire. Audiences, instead, should be lured into the universe gradually.</p>


DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and producer Peter Safran recently unveiled the first part of their vision for DCU (DC Universe), which is not just a cinematic universe, but also encompasses live-action television, animation, and even video games.

DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and producer Peter Safran recently unveiled the first part of their vision for DCU (DC Universe), which is not just a cinematic universe, but also encompasses live-action television, animation, and even video games. The DC brand has had a rocky journey when it comes to the cinematic universe. Gunn and Safran were called "complementary" talents by Zaslav when they were hired, and indeed while Gunn grew up reading comics, Safran has a knack for financing projects with box office potential. But it is Gunn in particular who is ushering in a creative turning point in DC Extended Universe. I explain. Let's begin with the basics. Also Read: Logan director James Mangold to direct DCU's Swamp Thing movie? Here's what we know How did James Gunn become such a big name in superhero cinema? Gunn has been in the 'big 2' (Marvel and DC) superhero business since he helmed 2014's Guardians of the Galaxy. it is a credit to his writing and filmmaking that some of the obscure characters in the comics populated the cast of one of that year's best superhero movies. The film featured a found family of the galaxy's biggest rejects, two of whom were not even human, and one of them was a robot. And yet infused with his unique brand of humour, solid writing, and a talented cast of actors and voice actors, the film became a huge hit and also impressed critics. His next for Marvel Studios, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 was an even bigger commercial success. But in 2018, when the third Guardians of the Galaxy film was in development, Disney, the parent company of Marvel Studios. The reason for the ban was his old tweets in which he appeared to joke about paedophilia and rape. The tweets resurfaced after US conservatives shared them after he became vocal in his criticism of the Donald J Trump presidency. Hours after the tweets appeared, Disney ended any association with him, including the 'Guardians of the Galaxy' franchise in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This allowed Warner Bros to recruit him for a DC movie. He chose a soft reboot of the 2016 movie 'Suicide Squad'. The film, called The Suicide Squad marked Gunn's return to films with a bang. It released in 2021 and starred a huge cast of actors Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, John Cena, Joel Kinnaman, Sylvester Stallone, Viola Davis, David Dastmalchian, Daniela Melchior, Michael Rooker, Jai Courtney, Peter Capaldi, Alice Braga, and Pete Davidson. Apart from The Suicide Squad, Gunn also wrote and directed a John Cena-fronted spinoff series called 'Peacemaker' for HBO Max, which was also received well. Also Read: Every upcoming DC Universe movie: Superman Legacy, The Flash, Swamp Thing, and more How Gunn's association with DC for foreseeable future is great news for DC fans As we have established, Gunn is a really good superhero movie director. He grew up on a steady diet of comics and has repeatedly shown an uncanny knack for crafting moving stories with multiple, varied characters forgetting their differences and coming together for a common goal. With 'Peacemaker', he proved that he is good with sole characters as well if it allows him to dismantle the character in his own way and instill his irreverent humour. DC has suffered for a long time without any lasting skipper to direct things. There have been competing visions, execs who have disagreed over the direction the properties should go in, and so on. What the company needed at this time is somebody exactly like Gunn: who has a proven track record in the genre and is a geek and knows these characters well. Under Gunn and Safran, the future of DC films is bright. As you saw from the film slate Gunn and Safran unveiled, they realise that introducing marquee characters like Superman and Batman all of a sudden may backfire. Audiences, instead, should be lured into the universe gradually.

With James Gunn at the helm, DC can beat Marvel at its own game

<p>James Gunn and Peter Safran's tenure as the heads of DC Studios has barely begun and already their decisions have evoked controversy and outrage among a section of fans. Recently, it was revealed that there <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-what-wonder-woman-3-cancellation-means-for-gal-gadots-superhero-541328">will not be a third 'Wonder Woman' movie </a></strong>and that Henry Cavill <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/sad-news-henry-cavill-to-not-return-as-superman-confirms-actor-543142">will not return as Superman</a></strong>, after all. Fans of the earlier DCEU built by Zack Snyder have been trolling Gunn on Twitter, making him release a statement that their abuse will not deter him and Safran.</p>

<p>Now, James Gunn has said that he will not have the same problem that Snyder had when he was in charge of the <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/all-upcoming-dc-movies-shazam-2-the-flash-man-of-steel-2-and-others-530628">DC movie universe</a></strong>. Infamously, Warner Bros fired Snyder during the post-production of 2017's 'Justice League', and a lot of the film was reshot by Joss Whedon. The film flopped anyway.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/five-great-superhero-movies-that-are-not-dc-or-marvel-510918/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Gunn has made it clear that he will not have to face any studio interference. "The position is different than it was with Zack, etc. Peter &amp; I are the heads of DC Studios. The only studio interference would be from us!" he wrote. Well, that bodes well.</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-james-gunn-responds-to-backlash-to-henry-cavill-superman-getting-axed-no-one-544643">James Gunn responds to backlash to Henry Cavill Superman getting axed: 'No one...'</a></strong></p>

<p>Gunn has been in the 'big 2' (Marvel and DC) superhero business since he helmed 2014's 'Guardians of the Galaxy'. it is a credit to his writing and filmmaking that some of the obscure characters in the comics populated the cast of one of that year's best superhero movie. The film featured a found family of the galaxy's biggest rejects, two of whom were not even human, and one of them was a robot. And yet infused with his unique brand of humour, solid writing, and a talented cast of actors and voice actors, the film became a huge hit and also impressed critics.</p>

<p>His next for Marvel Studios, 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2' was an even bigger commercial success.</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-why-henry-cavill-was-axed-as-superman-he-was-a-pawn-in-dwayne-johnsons-attempt-to-control-dc-543993">Why Henry Cavill was axed as Superman: 'He was a pawn in Dwayne Johnson's attempt to control DC?'</a></strong></p>

<p>But in 2018, when the third 'Guardians of the Galaxy' film was in development, Disney, the parent company of Marvel Studios. The reason for the ban was his old tweets in which he appeared to joke about paedophilia and rape. The tweets resurfaced after US conservatives shared them after he became vocal in his criticism of the Donald J Trump presidency. Hours after the tweets appeared, Disney ended any association with him, including the 'Guardians of the Galaxy' franchise in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This allowed Warner Bros to recruit him for a DC movie. He chose a soft reboot of the 2016 movie 'Suicide Squad'.</p>

<p>The film, called 'The Suicide Squad' marked Gunn's return to films with a bang. It released in 2021 and starred a huge cast of actors Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, John Cena, Joel Kinnaman, Sylvester Stallone, Viola Davis, David Dastmalchian, Daniela Melchior, Michael Rooker, Jai Courtney, Peter Capaldi, Alice Braga, and Pete Davidson.</p>

<p><strong>Watch WION live here:</strong></p>

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James Gunn and Peter Safran's tenure as the heads of DC Studios has barely begun and already their decisions have evoked controversy and outrage among a section of fans.

James Gunn and Peter Safran's tenure as the heads of DC Studios has barely begun and already their decisions have evoked controversy and outrage among a section of fans. Recently, it was revealed that there will not be a third 'Wonder Woman' movie and that Henry Cavill will not return as Superman, after all. Fans of the earlier DCEU built by Zack Snyder have been trolling Gunn on Twitter, making him release a statement that their abuse will not deter him and Safran. Now, James Gunn has said that he will not have the same problem that Snyder had when he was in charge of the DC movie universe. Infamously, Warner Bros fired Snyder during the post-production of 2017's 'Justice League', and a lot of the film was reshot by Joss Whedon. The film flopped anyway. Gunn has made it clear that he will not have to face any studio interference. "The position is different than it was with Zack, etc. Peter & I are the heads of DC Studios. The only studio interference would be from us!" he wrote. Well, that bodes well. Also Read: James Gunn responds to backlash to Henry Cavill Superman getting axed: 'No one...' Gunn has been in the 'big 2' (Marvel and DC) superhero business since he helmed 2014's 'Guardians of the Galaxy'. it is a credit to his writing and filmmaking that some of the obscure characters in the comics populated the cast of one of that year's best superhero movie. The film featured a found family of the galaxy's biggest rejects, two of whom were not even human, and one of them was a robot. And yet infused with his unique brand of humour, solid writing, and a talented cast of actors and voice actors, the film became a huge hit and also impressed critics. His next for Marvel Studios, 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2' was an even bigger commercial success. Also Read: Why Henry Cavill was axed as Superman: 'He was a pawn in Dwayne Johnson's attempt to control DC?' But in 2018, when the third 'Guardians of the Galaxy' film was in development, Disney, the parent company of Marvel Studios. The reason for the ban was his old tweets in which he appeared to joke about paedophilia and rape. The tweets resurfaced after US conservatives shared them after he became vocal in his criticism of the Donald J Trump presidency. Hours after the tweets appeared, Disney ended any association with him, including the 'Guardians of the Galaxy' franchise in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This allowed Warner Bros to recruit him for a DC movie. He chose a soft reboot of the 2016 movie 'Suicide Squad'. The film, called 'The Suicide Squad' marked Gunn's return to films with a bang. It released in 2021 and starred a huge cast of actors Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, John Cena, Joel Kinnaman, Sylvester Stallone, Viola Davis, David Dastmalchian, Daniela Melchior, Michael Rooker, Jai Courtney, Peter Capaldi, Alice Braga, and Pete Davidson. Watch WION live here:

James Gunn says DC films won't face studio interference: 'With Zack Snyder...'

<p>James Gunn has responded to the backlash he and his partner and producer Peter Safran have received in regard to the decisions the two have taken as co-CEOs of DC Studios. Gunn and Safran were appointed to lead the company by Warner Bros Discover's David Zaslav in order to unify DC Universe à la Marvel Cinematic Universe. Since assuming command, they have invited backlash by cancelling 'Wonder Woman 3' and<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/sad-news-henry-cavill-to-not-return-as-superman-confirms-actor-543142"> invalidating Henry Cavill's return as Superman</a></strong> that was announced in the post-credit scene of 'Black Adam'. A section of fans of DC films is thus angry at them. Taking to Twitter, Gunn said that he and Peter were aware that many people will be "uproarious &amp; unkind" to their decisions when they took the job.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-new-superman-comes-out-as-bisexual-420262/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>In a follow-up tweet, he said, "Our choices for the DCU are based upon what we believe is best for the story &amp; 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 &amp; integrity &amp; 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."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">One of the things Peter &amp; 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 &amp; unkind, to say the least.</p>
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) <a href="https://twitter.com/JamesGunn/status/1604929008319070208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>He added, "We were aware there would be a period of turbulence when we took this gig, &amp; we knew we would sometimes have to make difficult &amp; 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 &amp; custodians in helping to create a wide &amp; wonderful future for DC."</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-why-henry-cavill-was-axed-as-superman-he-was-a-pawn-in-dwayne-johnsons-attempt-to-control-dc-543993">Why Henry Cavill was axed as Superman: 'He was a pawn in Dwayne Johnson's attempt to control DC?'</a></strong></p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/after-superman-exit-henry-cavills-next-project-announced-with-amazon-read-details-inside-543613">After Superman exit, Henry Cavill's next project announced with Amazon: Read details inside</a></strong></p>

<p>For almost a decade now, DC films have tried to catch up with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and have failed. There have been a handful of individual successes, sure, but as a unified cinematic universe, DC movies have failed. Analysts have said that the biggest reason for that is the absence of a figure like Kevin Feige (Marvel Studios boss) at DC -- somebody who knows comics intimately and is also familiar with the business side of things.</p>

<p>Both Gunn and Safran have a great track record in creative and financial terms, respectively, when it comes to superhero movies. But fans expect that the earlier cinematic universe built by Zack Snyder is being phased out and that involves recasting of major characters, since DCU will likely feature younger superheroes, and that involves recasting.</p>

<p>Also Read:<strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/superman-543396">After Henry Cavill's exit, James Norton, Matt Bomer &amp; other actors who could play Superman</a></strong></p>

<p>Cavill's departure as Superman has particularly hit a nerve. Many wonder why his return was teased at all if it wasn't going to be. Gunn has said that the decision to bring him back was taken before he joined DC Studios.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>Watch LIVE Wion</p>

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James Gunn has responded to the backlash he and his partner and producer Peter Safran have received in regard to the decisions the two have taken as co-CEOs of DC Studios.

James Gunn has responded to the backlash he and his partner and producer Peter Safran have received in regard to the decisions the two have taken as co-CEOs of DC Studios. Gunn and Safran were appointed to lead the company by Warner Bros Discover's David Zaslav in order to unify DC Universe à la Marvel Cinematic Universe. Since assuming command, they have invited backlash by cancelling 'Wonder Woman 3' and invalidating Henry Cavill's return as Superman that was announced in the post-credit scene of 'Black Adam'. A section of fans of DC films is thus angry at them. Taking to Twitter, Gunn said that he and Peter were aware that many people will be "uproarious & unkind" to their decisions when they took the job. In a follow-up tweet, he said, "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." 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. — James Gunn (@JamesGunn) December 19, 2022 × He added, "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." Also Read: Why Henry Cavill was axed as Superman: 'He was a pawn in Dwayne Johnson's attempt to control DC?' Also Read: After Superman exit, Henry Cavill's next project announced with Amazon: Read details inside For almost a decade now, DC films have tried to catch up with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and have failed. There have been a handful of individual successes, sure, but as a unified cinematic universe, DC movies have failed. Analysts have said that the biggest reason for that is the absence of a figure like Kevin Feige (Marvel Studios boss) at DC -- somebody who knows comics intimately and is also familiar with the business side of things. Both Gunn and Safran have a great track record in creative and financial terms, respectively, when it comes to superhero movies. But fans expect that the earlier cinematic universe built by Zack Snyder is being phased out and that involves recasting of major characters, since DCU will likely feature younger superheroes, and that involves recasting. Also Read: After Henry Cavill's exit, James Norton, Matt Bomer & other actors who could play Superman Cavill's departure as Superman has particularly hit a nerve. Many wonder why his return was teased at all if it wasn't going to be. Gunn has said that the decision to bring him back was taken before he joined DC Studios. Watch LIVE Wion

James Gunn responds to backlash to Henry Cavill Superman getting axed: 'No one...'

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With James Gunn at the helm, DC can beat Marvel at its own game

James Gunn says DC films won't face studio interference: 'With Zack Snyder...'

James Gunn responds to backlash to Henry Cavill Superman getting axed: 'No one...'