Since the MCU struck gold with Avengers in 2012, DC and Warner Bros. have done everything in their power to replicate Marvel's success. Considering that DC boasts three of the most recognizable and iconic superheroes of all time(Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman), it's genuinely puzzling that the company hasn't been able to develop a formula that can compete with Marvel. However, the failure of Warner Brother's DC extended universe wasn't tied to the quality of characters it featured, but rather the piss poor execution of the brand's steward in Zack Synder.
Whereas Marvel had Kevin Fiege, who has a deep affinity for the source material he adapts, Zack Synder hates every DC character that isn't named Batman. Instead of following Fiege's example of allowing each character to possess a distinct tone that felt congruent to their comic counterparts, Synder just wanted everyone on the DC roster to be a different version of the Dark Knight.
After tanking what should've easily been the second most profitable franchise in Hollywood, Synder and his angsty garbage got the old heave-ho from Warner Bros., leaving the studio without a head coach for DC projects. According to Variety, Warner Bros. has decided that fan-favorite director James Gunn should be the man to helm future DC films.
James Gunn and Peter Safran have been tapped as co-chairmen and co-CEOs of DC Studios, a newly created production entity that will oversee DC properties for Warner Bros. Discovery. "We're honored to be the stewards of these DC characters we've loved since we were children," said Gunn and Safran. "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."
