Warner Bros. is making significant changes in the upcoming year in the direction of its DC Extended Universe. Recently, the studio tapped filmmaker James Gunn as the co-CEO of DC Studios. Gunn has created successes in multiple superhero franchises, including Suicide Squad, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Avengers.
WB moved to jumpstart its DC movies, which have chronically underperformed compared to other big-budget superhero franchises. Gunn’s new role coincides with a turnover in top-tier talent, with Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, Henry Cavil as Superman, and now Dwayne Johnson as Black Adam exiting their respective franchises.
Gunn’s new look has come up against disappointment from DC superfans. In a Twitter thread from December 19th, Gunn pushed back, calling the online criticism “disrespectful” and “unkind.”. He said the creative changes ahead have been made with “sincere hearts & integrity & always with the story in mind.”
With Marvel in a weakened position… all of their 2022 releases grossed less than $1 billion… it will be interesting to see if Gunn can seize the opportunity to elevate the image of DC as a top-tier creator of superhero blockbusters.
See also: Dwayne Johnson: Black Adam Won’t Be in ‘First Chapter’ of James Gunn-Led DC Universe, but May Return (Variety)