Following Deadline, now for the second time, my scoop that James Gunn is out at DC once the Warner Bros. Discovery sale closes has been confirmed, this time by Puck News.
In their new report, Puck writes:
“As things now stand at Warner Bros., James Gunn and Peter Safran control who directs DC movies […]. It sounds like change may be in the wind if, indeed, the Ellisons prevail.”
Update: Puck News also reports Paramount has been talking to Zach Cregger about his DC movie, without Gunn’s involvement.
That is the industry’s polite way of saying what I told you months ago: Gunn’s power at DC is over the moment WBD is sold.
From what I have been told and first told you, whether Paramount wins or Comcast wins, the new owners are expected to overhaul DC leadership, and Gunn is not part of those long-term plans.
Following my initial report, Gunn, himself, questioned his own future at DC. It’s now why he is doing the “Superman Family Saga” instead of the greater DCU.
Snyder Posts Photo With Jim Lee as DC Momentum Builds
Adding even more fuel to the fire, Zack Snyder posted a new Instagram photo today, this time standing alongside DC legend Jim Lee – President, Publisher, and Chief Creative Officer of DC – writing:
“Always enjoy working with the incredible @jimlee — not only an amazing artist, but someone with a deep understanding of all things DC. Grateful for the collaborations and the inspiration.”
Zack included art of Superman, Aquaman, Cyborg, and Darkseid (pictured below).
This comes after two months of Snyder releasing SnyderVerse character photos — Batman, Superman, Aquaman, Joker, Deathstroke, Mera, Lois & Clark — all at the exact time the industry is following our exclusive articles and reporting major changes at DC and WB.
Snyder isn’t being subtle. He’s reminding everyone who built the most successful and globally recognized version of the modern DC cinematic universe.
What We Told You: Gunn Out, Snyder Returning, Saudis Backing the Revival
My insiders have been consistent:
- James Gunn is out with the sale of WBD.
- Zack Snyder is returning to DC with the SnyderVerse.
- The Saudis are involved in backing both Paramount and Comcast bids.
That was the plan I published, and every day the industry moves a little closer to confirming it.
The SnyderVerse Cast Is Already Lining Up
I also reported the returning cast list Snyder wants for the restored SnyderVerse:
- Henry Cavill back as Superman
- Gal Gadot back as Wonder Woman
- Jason Momoa back as Aquaman
- Ray Fisher back as Cyborg
- Ezra Miller is “doubtful”
- Ben Affleck is “possible,” depending on physical demands
Every one of these names lines up with Snyder’s recent social media activity — images of Cavill, Affleck, Momoa, Fisher, and supporting characters from his Knightmare and SnyderVerse arc.
Snyder is quietly assembling the same roster he built a decade ago.
Everything Now Points in One Direction
Deadline and Puck confirm leadership changes are coming to DC.
Snyder continues posting old and new DC material.
Jim Lee is suddenly in the frame.
The Saudis want Snyder-level blockbuster DC films and are huge fans of Snyder (they spent $55B on EA just because Prince Mohammed is a gamer).
And the WBD sale is imminent.
All signs point exactly where my insiders told us they would: The SnyderVerse is on its way back, and the industry is finally catching up to the story.
