James Gunn and Peter Safran Named Co-CEOs of DC Studios

James Gunn and Peter Safran have been named co-CEOs and co-chairmen of DC Studios, a newly-debuted production imprint that will lead DC titles for Warner Bros. Discovery.

Under their new titles, Gunn and Safran will oversee all film, television and animation projects at DC Studios, reporting to Warner Bros. Discovery president and CEO David Zaslav. Both will officially enter their new positions on November 1. Notably, Gunn and Safran are expected to continue creating independent projects, in addition to their work at DC.

“We’re honored to be the stewards of these DC characters we’ve loved since we were children,” said Gunn and Safran in a statement. “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,” they added. “Most of all, we can’t wait to bring you all into the story of the DCU.”

Both Gunn and Safran have helmed previous DC projects in various capacities. Gunn wrote and directed The Suicide Squad for DC, which later received an HBO Max spinoff series titled Peacemaker. Safran, under his production label, The Safran Company, has produced several DC films, including Aquaman and its forthcoming follow-up Shazam, as well as Gunn’s The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker.

“James is a brilliant filmmaker and storyteller and Peter is a tremendously successful and prolific producer and to have them both committing to work together to forge this new era for DC is a literal dream come true,” said co-chairpersons and CEOs of Warner Bros. Film Group Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy, who Gunn and Safran will work closely with. “We all share a very similar sensibility and passion for this universe and the stars couldn’t have aligned any better. We can’t wait to get started, dig in, and collaborate with these unmatched creative minds.”

In more entertainment news, watch the trailer for Gunn’s The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special.