Netflix’s shocking winning bid for Warner Bros. Discovery might have just saved James Gunn and the DCU.
Following the news, YouTuber John Campea says Netflix intends to keep Gunn in place alongside WB film chiefs Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy if the Warner Bros. Discovery sale goes through.
But according to our own insiders, the situation isn’t nearly that simple, and Paramount’s continued involvement only adds more uncertainty.
John Campea Claims Netflix Will Keep Gunn
On his show, Campea stated that Netflix plans to retain James Gunn as part of the new structure once the deal closes.
He also suggested that Gunn’s producing partner Peter Safran may not be staying, though details remain unclear.
This comes after Netflix released its first official statement on the merger, saying it expects to “maintain Warner Bros.’ current operations and build on its strengths, including theatrical releases for films.”
While the statement projects stability — even as questions linger about whether Netflix will keep theatrical windows — what’s written on paper doesn’t always match the internal restructuring that follows.
Netflix also isn’t going to announce anything that looks negative this early, especially not before the deal closes and with major regulatory concerns already looming.
THR: WBD Paying Massive Bonuses to Keep Executives in Place
A new report may also back up the claims of Gunn staying, as THR says Warner Bros. Discovery plans to pay out nearly $38.7 million in retention bonuses to keep top executives from leaving during the merger process.
The SEC filing outlines that select C-suite executives will receive the bonuses if they remain until the Netflix deal fully closes, a process that could take more than a year due to regulatory review.
THR describes the next year as a “holding pattern,” where WBD execs essentially keep the lights on while waiting for Netflix to impose its own strategy.
Notably, THR makes no mention of James Gunn in its report.
Also, both De Luca and Abdy had their contracts renewed, while James Gunn’s contract is set to expire next year.
Insiders: Gunn Could Leave if Netflix Shrinks DC
Our insiders maintain that if Netflix streamlines Warner Bros. and reduces DC’s footprint, Gunn may walk away on his own.
The concern is that Netflix’s centralized structure leaves little room for powerful division heads, and specialty areas like DC wouldn’t operate with the same level of autonomy.
Gunn Was Also Expected to Exit if Paramount Bought WBD
Before Netflix emerged as the winning bidder, our insiders said Gunn was already out if Paramount secured the company. That speculation was later backed up by Deadline and Puck News.
Paramount is still considered a contender, with reports suggesting the company may attempt a hostile takeover by bypassing David Zaslav and taking its bid directly to shareholders.
