Now that Netflix has conceded to Paramount in the bidding war for Warner Bros., attention has shifted to what happens next. Pending final board actions and regulatory review, Paramount is positioned to assume control of the studio and its assets, including DC Studios.
David Ellison talks to Bloomberg – YouTube, Bloomberg Podcasts
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With the potential leadership change, some observers have focused on how it could affect James Gunn’s role, the direction of the DCU, and whether ownership changes would alter long-running fan campaigns surrounding the Snyderverse.
James Gunn’s Contract and the Future of DC Leadership
According to an article in Bloomberg from October 2025, sources have said that Paramount planned to keep Warner Bros. largely intact.
“Paramount wants to keep the creative teams of the two studios, while consolidating some of the marketing and distribution,” those familiar with Ellison’s plans reportedly said.
This indicates that Gunn and Safran are expected to remain in place as the current co-CEOs of DC Studios, which falls under the Warner Bros.’ umbrella. Additionally, Gunn confirmed to Bloomberg that his and Safran’s contracts were extended through the spring of 2027. Beyond their current contract term, future leadership decisions would fall under Paramount’s oversight, though no reporting has indicated plans to alter DC Studios’ direction or make a return to the Snyderverse.
Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, and Ben Affleck as the Snyderverse Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman – HBO Max
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In November, Cosmic Book News reported that Saudi investors were exploring involvement in the bidding process, and noted Snyder’s prior business ties in the region. The outlet characterized that possibility as favorable to a continuation of the Snyderverse, adding, “If the Saudis back Paramount and win, Snyder wins.”
However, subsequent reporting from industry trades indicated that Saudi capital, if involved, was connected to Paramount’s broader financing structure rather than a direct acquisition of Warner Bros. The extent of that investment has not been fully detailed in public disclosures.
Snyderverse Speculation and the Saudi Investment Reports
Some segments of the DC fan community have speculated that a leadership change could affect the roles of Gunn and Safran. Supporters of Snyder have also suggested that new ownership could reopen the possibility of continuing the Snyderverse. Around the same time, Snyder posted several images from his time at Warner Bros. on Instagram, which some fans interpreted as suggestive amid the ownership discussions.
ARMY OF THE DEAD (L to R) ZACK SNYDER (DIRECTOR, PRODUCER, WRITER) in ARMY OF THE DEAD. Cr. CLAY ENOS/NETFLIX © 2021
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According to Matt Belloni’s What I’m Hearing column on Puck News, the more likely outcome, if Paramount’s bid meets approval, is that Gunn and Safran would remain in charge but potentially with less autonomy than they had under Warner Bros. However, increased oversight does not mean that Gunn and Safran would be forced to step down, and there was no credible evidence that Snyder was poised for a return.
DCU Projects Moving Forward Under Potential New Ownership
Regardless of what happens behind the scenes between now and 2027, when Gunn and Safran’s contracts come up for renewal, the DCU will keep moving forward. Supergirl, directed by Craig Gillespie, is scheduled for release June 6, 2026. Additionally, James Gunn has finished the script for the next Superman film, Man of Tomorrow, which will come out in 2027, with more DCU content currently in various stages of production.
The poster for Supergirl – DC
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Online discussion surrounding the Snyderverse has remained active, and speculation about that continuity is likely to persist regardless of ownership changes. Any ownership transition would likely influence corporate strategy and franchise oversight across the studio’s portfolio. While Gunn and Safran appear positioned to remain through their contracts, broader strategic priorities would ultimately be set at the corporate level.
Do you think Paramount will bring back the Snyderverse? Let us know in the comments!
I don’t want Gunn or Snyder. I want a full reset led by people who respect the IP and give us comic accurate characters.
The DC properties are nearing a century old at this point. It’s just time to accept that they’re going the way of the dodo, like The Lone Ranger, Zorro, and John Carter. Sure they might still have fans, but they’re so few that the market isn’t there for new media to be made. Same with Marvel. Both companies have done such a thorough job of chasing away the loyal fanbase that was built up over decades that now only the most soy filled dickless libshits continue to pay for their products. I’m ready for something new.