James Gunn and Peter Safran will continue to lead DC Studios following the impending merger between Warner Bros. and Paramount, according to a report from Deadline. The news comes as Paramount CEO David Ellison announced that the newly combined company will be named Skydance. Ellison stated the new name was chosen to "give the combined company an identity of its own while allowing Paramount and Warner Bros. — and all our extraordinary brands — to remain in the spotlight."
Following a meeting with Ellison, Gunn and Safran have reportedly retained their roles, signaling stability for DC's film and television slate. This announcement may come as a relief to fans who have been closely following the developments and appreciating DC Studios' recent output.
Current DC Studios Projects
DC Studios' slate includes several anticipated projects. James Gunn is currently overseeing Man of Tomorrow, a sequel to Superman, which completed filming in August and is slated for a July 9, 2027 release. The DC Universe (DCU) has seen two films released thus far: Superman, which grossed $619.7 million and was a significant performer for Warner Bros. in 2025, and Supergirl, which underperformed at the box office with $126.4 million. The studio aims to rebound with Clayface, a horror film directed by Mike Flanagan, scheduled for release on October 23.
Further projects in development include director Andy Muschietti's Batman film, The Brave and the Bold, James Mangold's Swamp Thing, and an untitled Wonder Woman film. The DCU has also produced well-received television series such as Creature Commandos, Peacemaker, and the popular Lanterns.
While the continuation of DC Studios' leadership offers reassurance, the broader implications of the Ellison family's increased influence over the entertainment industry, given their past ties to the Trump administration, remain a point of concern for some observers.