James Gunn's future at DC Studios is uncertain as insiders suggest it's open season for his removal. The Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery deal, which is yet to close, has sparked rumors of a potential firing. The deal's approval by WBD shareholders and its personal guarantee from Larry Ellison indicate a strong likelihood of closure. Once the deal is finalized, sources predict that Gunn and Peter Safran's contracts will not be renewed, and they will be replaced by Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy, who are expected to take control of DC Studios. This shift will lead to a project-by-project approach, with individual characters and team-up events, and a focus on maximizing AI in tentpole films. The new structure will differ from the unified universe approach previously attempted by DC. Zack Snyder, Matt Reeves, Ben Affleck, Christopher McQuarrie, and Patty Jenkins have been approached to submit pitches, indicating a potential return to the SnyderVerse and the Dark Knight. The article also mentions the challenges faced by Gunn and Safran, including the underperformance of Supergirl and the negative feedback from filmmakers. The lawsuit filed by California Attorney General Rob Bonta and eleven other state AGs to block the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger adds further complexity to the situation. The article concludes by highlighting the ongoing efforts of Cosmic Book News to report on industry news despite facing takedown notices and restrictions from HBO Max and Warner Bros. Discovery.
