James Gunn's future at DC Studios is uncertain as the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery deal nears completion. Sources indicate that once the deal is finalized, the Paramount board will remove Gunn and Peter Safran, with Safran's contract not being renewed. This decision is influenced by the Paramount board's desire to exert control and the perceived failure of Gunn's leadership. The article highlights the tension between Gunn and Safran, particularly with Safran's lack of support for Gunn's creative decisions, such as the shelving of 'The Authority' and the focus on the Super Family. The article also mentions the challenges faced by Gunn in managing the DCU, including the underperformance of 'Supergirl' and the criticism of his creative choices. The Paramount board's plan involves a restructuring of DC Studios, with Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy taking control of theatrical releases, while HBO's Casey Bloys oversees streaming. This shift aims to maximize the use of AI in tentpole films and allow for a more organic approach to the DC universe, as opposed to the Marvel-style universe that Gunn attempted to create. The article also discusses the potential involvement of Zack Snyder, Ben Affleck, and Christopher McQuarrie in future projects, as well as the ongoing legal battles surrounding the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger.
