Rumors are swirling once again around DC Studios—and this time they point directly at co-CEO James Gunn. Matt McGloin of Cosmic Book News published a story alleging that Gunn could be fired if Warner Bros. Discovery is sold to Paramount Global (and its Skydance Media partner).
At this stage, the story remains unconfirmed by any major trade outlet, but Cosmic Book News has a history of breaking scoops ahead of the Hollywood press, so fans are paying close attention.
The Claim Making the Rounds
McGloin’s article, titled “James Gunn Out at DC With Warner Bros. Sale (Exclusive),” asserts that if the long-rumored Warner Bros.–Paramount merger goes through, Gunn’s time at DC Studios would come to an end. He writes that Gunn supposedly “knows his days are limited” and is “getting himself, his friends, and his wife big paychecks before WBD sells.”
James Gunn and David Corenswet sit for an interview about Superman – YouTube, Fandango
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The rumor continues: Skydance chief David Ellison would appoint current Warner Bros. film chief Mike De Luca to rebuild DC under new management. McGloin points to mixed reactions toward Superman, Peacemaker Season 2, and Creature Commandos (which you may have forgotten existed…) as evidence that executives might already want a clean slate.
What We Actually Know
Here’s what’s publicly verifiable:
- Gunn and Peter Safran were hired as co-CEOs of DC Studios in late 2022 on a multi-year contract that runs through 2026.
- They currently report to David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery.
- M&A talks between WBD and Paramount have indeed been reported by outlets like Bloomberg and Deadline, but all descriptions emphasize that negotiations are preliminary and face significant regulatory hurdles.
- Superman (2025) earned roughly $616 million worldwide on a $225 million budget—falling around $40 million short of profitability in its theatrical run.
- Bloomberg has reported that WB has rebuffed Paramounts initial offer to buy the company.
James Gunn and John Cena introduce the Red Band Trailer for Peacemaker Season 2 – YouTube, DC
No major trade publication has yet reported that Gunn’s job is under review or that a leadership purge is planned.
Context: Why the Rumor Resonates
It’s not unusual for new corporate owners to shake up leadership, particularly in Hollywood where branding and creative direction carry enormous value. If Paramount and Skydance did acquire WBD, they’d almost certainly evaluate every division—including DC Studios.
Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison being interviewed – YouTube, CNBC Television
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That said, ousting Gunn would come with serious baggage. His Guardians of the Galaxy track record, his existing fanbase, and his contractual protections would make any dismissal messy and expensive.
In short: the corporate logic could exist—but there’s no concrete sign it’s happening.
Still Just a Rumor
It’s worth noting that Cosmic Book News often spotlights stories that the mainstream trades later circle back to. In an industry dominated by corporate access journalism, independent voices frequently hear whispers first. Whether this latest rumor proves true or not, it’s already reignited fan discussion about Warner Bros. Discovery’s uncertain future and Gunn’s divisive creative direction that has inspired passionate debate both positive and negative.
James Gunn sits for an interview – YouTube, GQ
However, if true, James Gunn isn’t likely to be fired anytime soon. Even if a Warner Bros.–Paramount deal proceeds, federal approval could take many months or even years. During that period, existing leadership typically stays in place to maintain stability.
That Park Place will continue monitoring developments around the proposed Warner-Paramount merger, DC Studios’ future slate, and any verified personnel changes.
Do you think James Gunn will be fired from DC is Paramount buys Warner Bros.? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
[…] Fonte: thatparkplace […]
Gunn is way out of his depth. His goofy shows are shallow, DEI, saccharine, asinine, repetitive and rather dull. The law of diminishing returns. The Superman movie is something I actually dread to watch, from what I’ve seen and read. He should make porn, instead. Though, from his sicko tweets, that’s a really bad idea, too.
Do you not ever self-edit? Your byline should be “edited 10 hours ago by …”
[…] article makes no mention of Peter Safran, which casts further doubt on the story’s validity.) But as That Park Place points out, any buyout would take a long time to go through, with federal approval of the sale taking “many […]
This would be funny and a hit to Gunn’s ego.
[…] as evidence that a new owner would want to start fresh with its DC Comics properties. However, as That Park Place noted, there are likely contracts in place that would make this difficult, and Gunn’s next DCU movie, […]
[…] and even The Lord of the Rings. There have also been rumors that, should the deal go through, James Gunn could “see himself out” from DC Studios. Whether or not they’re true, it brings into question how much of the landscape will change […]
[…] new contract” given to De Luca and Abdy by Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, which, as That Park Place said about Gunn when rumors of his ouster began, would make firing them […]