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News

DC Fans React to James Gunn Studio Head News

Yesterday, James Gunn and Peter Safran were named the new heads of DC movies and tv. Unsurprisingly, the internet had thoughts.

Joe George | October 26, 2022 |
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| Comments count:0
James Gunn at The Suicide Squad premiere
Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / Getty Images

Ever since DC attempted to launch a cinematic universe with 2013’s Joker, the internet chirped on.

So it should be no surprise that the establishment of new heads of the DCEU has earned a range of responses from the internet. It’s long been known that new head of Warner Bros./Discovery David Zaslav has been looking for a Kevin Feige-type figure to guide the DCEU, and decisions such as shelving Batgirl have only raised the need for a strong hand at the wheel. But few expected Zaslav to choose The Suicide Squad, and producer Peter Safran to get the job — least of all, people on the internet.

Some were thrilled with the decision, praising Gunn as a director with both a creative vision and a true love for the characters, as evidenced by his use of C-listers Groot, King Shark, and Peacemaker. “They needed a fan who’s also a great storyteller to run this company like Feige. Gunn is both and more,” wrote one @DanielRPK. Although some have worried that Gunn’s irreverent and sometimes crude approach to superheroes may clash with squeaky-clean characters like Superman and Wonder Woman, @D4hz4hn reminds fans that Gunn “himself turned down doing a Superman reboot when WB first hired him.” In fact, several s echoed this sentiment, suggesting that Gunn and Safran will give the job to the right creators, rather than having Gunn do everything himself.

This is great I've always said James Gunn knows the comics better than anyone. Even the most obscure of characters. He'll do great. They needed a fan who's also a great storyteller to run this company like Feige. Gunn is both and more https://t.co/c3rGPZEhKo

— Daniel Richtman (@DanielRPK) October 25, 2022

James Gunn himself turned down doing a Superman reboot when WB first hired him so I think he's smart enough to know which characters actually fit his style and which dont

— D🅰️hz🅰️n (@D4hz4hn) October 25, 2022

*Deep breath*

-No James Gunn won't fill every film with poop jokes, or turn the DCEU into the MCU.
-He knows DC's success is in being different. He came to the DCEU to do different things.
-He publicly ed the Ayer Cut.
-He knows his strengths; he turned down Superman.

— @pud333.bsky.social (@pud333) October 25, 2022
https://twitter.com/Browntable_Ent/status/1585018747269496832?s=20&t=3D4inAu323QAibpoYQEfGw

James Gunn becoming the leader of DC is a fever dream. There is no one more than him who knows the comics and these characters better.

— Matt Ramos (@therealsupes) October 25, 2022

Given Gunn’s work with other fan-favorite projects, some immediately called for DC Universe heroes to crossover with other characters. Top Gun: Maverick‘s Glenn Powell as Green Lantern Hal Jordan, and, of course, a cut of Suicide Squad from original director David Ayer.

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Dear @JamesGunn, now that you've got a crazy amount of sway…

…what are the chances of getting a live action version of THIS? pic.twitter.com/4BC0uFZks6

— Dan Slott (@DanSlott) October 26, 2022

Hey @JamesGunn

So now you do have the power to #ReleaseTheAyerCut 🤔

It would be the right thing to do

— The Ayer Cut (@CutAyer) October 25, 2022

For some, the most compelling crossover requires Gunn to build on the connections he formed while making the Guardians of the Galaxy movies. “Kevin Feige said ‘never say never’ to a Marvel and DC crossover,” @blurayangel mused. “Will we ever see The Avengers with The Justice League!?” Against these hopeful thoughts, many others saw Gunn’s switch to DC as a betrayal best expressed with wrestling memes.

Kevin Feige said “never say never” to a Marvel and DC crossover. Now James Gunn is DC Studios President 🤔 Will we ever see The Avengers with The Justice League!? 🤯 pic.twitter.com/ST2APt8gxb

— BLURAYANGEL 🦇 (@blurayangel) October 25, 2022

James Gunn with the finisher pic.twitter.com/OnZMChtuOG

— Chief Mackenzie Bock (@GothamChief) October 25, 2022

James Gunn told Marvel pic.twitter.com/Qk1WlkBTO4

— Public Enemies Podcast (@TheEnemiesPE3) October 25, 2022

Of course, because neither Gunn nor Safran is Zack Snyder, the news angered a vocal contingent of the internet. Many of the most popular posts attacking Gunn and defending Snyder launch unsubstantiated charges about serious crimes, which won’t be repeated here. However, those who chose to simply use the hashtags #bringbackzacksnyder or #restorethesnyderverse preferred to describe what they love about the director’s approach. Pointing to Henry Cavill’s recent return as Superman, @Signs2323 says, “I want him and Zack together again.”

Zack Snyder's Justice League#RestoreTheSnyderVerse#BringBackZackSnyder pic.twitter.com/QyZ5Zbtrn7

— Ready The Armada (@ReadyTheArmada_) October 21, 2022

Zack Snyder and “Snyder fans” made Cavill’s return as Superman possible. In ZSJL we saw his redemption after he was disgraced in Josstice league. All these years of praising his Superman while others bashed it. I want him and Zack together again. #BringBackZackSnyder pic.twitter.com/g0ndoFx078

— Leonidas (@Signs2323) October 24, 2022

Zack Snyder is the artist.

His camera is the brush.

The studio is the canvas.

His movie is the painting.

His cast are the paints.

Y'all are really celebrating having paint?#BringBackZackSnyder

— RTSnyderCut #CeasefireNOW (@RTSnyderCut) October 25, 2022
https://twitter.com/dhruv1607/status/1584048987648462848?s=20&t=3D4inAu323QAibpoYQEfGw

At the same time, several have pointed out that the rivalry between Gunn and Snyder comes entirely from the fans, as Gunn wrote the script for Snyder’s first feature Dawn of the Dead. “It’s time to get the band back together,” wrote @MoviesThatMaher, complete with a photo of the two filmmakers together.

It’s time to get the band back together. Congratulations @JamesGunn pic.twitter.com/YkTZDhv5KL

— MoviesThatMaher (@MoviesThatMaher) October 25, 2022
https://twitter.com/Pollos_Hernandy/status/1585013870003093507?s=20&t=3D4inAu323QAibpoYQEfGw

But of all the reactions, none showed as much wisdom as @NicholasJLevi, who pointed out “Best thing about James Gunn running DC films is that Jared Leto will likely never return to the Joker.” Surely, the means that this move keeps Leto free for more Morbius sequels. What else could bring peace in our time?

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Best thing about James Gunn running DC films is that Jared Leto will likely never return to the Joker

— Nicholas (@NicholasJLevi) October 25, 2022
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Tags: Zack Snyder
Joe George

Written by

Joe George | @jageorgeii

Joe George’s writing has appeared at Slate, Polygon, Tor.com, and elsewhere!

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