RUMOR: James Gunn OUT as Head of DC Studios if Warner Bros. Gets Sold?
Rumors are swirling that James Gunn could be ousted as co-head of DC Studios if Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is sold, with insiders claiming his DCU vision—kicked off by the underperforming Superman reboot and fading Peacemaker Season 2 viewership—has left the franchise in reboot limbo amid Zaslav’s prep for a potential studio sale.
Since Gunn and Peter Safran took over in 2022, the DC Universe reboot has been a high-wire act, promising interconnected films and shows to rival Marvel. Now, as WBD CEO David Zaslav eyes a company overhaul, new rumors from Cosmic Book News suggest Gunn’s days may be numbered if a sale to Skydance’s David Ellison or Comcast goes through. While unverified, the whispers paint Gunn as a “lame-duck” exec rushing out content before the reset button hits.
Here’s the TLDR...
The Rumor Core: Insiders claim Gunn exits DC if WBD sells, with Mike De Luca eyed to reboot sans Snyderverse; Gunn allegedly knows and is rushing “Superman Family” projects to boost sale value.
Superman Struggles: Gunn’s $225M–$350M Superman opened to $122M domestic ($217M global) and closed at $615M—profitable only via ancillaries, called a “flop” by Forbes despite 78% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Peacemaker S2 Fade: Season 2 saw a 22% viewership spike (SambaTV) but quickly vanished from Nielsen charts, signaling limited long-term engagement.
Sale Buzz: Zaslav preps a $30B+ WBD sale; Skydance and Paramount lead bids, Comcast lurks, De Luca/Abdy exits hint at “new start.”
Marvel Return?: No firm word, but Gunn’s MCU past and comments on DC–Marvel crossovers keep speculation alive.
Unpacking the Rumor: Gunn’s DCU on Borrowed Time?
The Cosmic Book News October 11 report alleges: “James Gunn will be out as head of DCU with the WBD sale.” Unnamed insiders claim Gunn’s divisive style has alienated filmmakers, stalling production as directors pivot to other projects. The leak suggests Gunn’s pivot from the Gods and Monsters phase to a “Superman Family” arc—featuring collaborators like wife Jennifer Holland—may be his final act.
No confirmation from WBD or Gunn’s team, but observers note suspicious moves: Gunn’s increased teases of Superman sequels and spin-offs could reflect a push to “beautify” the brand before a sale. His defiant Empire interview in September (“I’m doing whatever I want with DC”) might read as his farewell tour.
If true, it marks another DC reset—abandoning Snyder’s era only to face turmoil again.
Superman’s Shadow: Box Office Blues and Reception Woes
Superman (released July 11, 2025) was billed as DC’s rebirth. It launched strong with $122 million domestic and $217 million global in opening weekend receipts, ranking third for the year per GoldDerby. Starring David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan, early reviews praised its hopeful tone and visuals, earning 78% on Rotten Tomatoes.
However, it stalled quickly: a $615 million global total (Box Office Mojo) on a $225M production meant it barely broke even theatrically. Forbes labeled it a “financial flop,” citing $125M in marketing and a likely $50M–$100M loss excluding streaming and merchandising. Audience reactions were mixed—fans liked the cast, but many found Gunn’s humor clashed with Superman’s legacy. Variety noted its “uneven tone,” and its B CinemaScore hinted at weak legs.
Once it hit Max, the film failed to crack top-10 streaming charts.
Peacemaker S2: Viewership Spike to Streaming Silence
Peacemaker Season 2 (HBO Max, August 2025) mirrored Superman’s pattern: strong start, fast fade. Samba TV measured 1.2 million U.S. households tuning in for premiere week—a 22% rise from Season 1’s finale. Critics were warm (78% on RT), with ComicBookClub calling it “one of DC’s best-reviewed shows.”
But engagement plummeted by week three, disappearing from Nielsen’s top 10, per ThatParkPlace. Cosmic Book News argued the lighter tone alienated core fans, and no renewal has been confirmed. Combined with Creature Commandos’ flop, it underscores DCU fatigue and confusion about direction.
Warner Bros. Sale Rumors: Zaslav’s Endgame Auction
The rumored WBD sale—valued at $30 billion (Reuters, Sept 2025)—is the real backdrop here. Years of debt and declining cable revenue have forced Zaslav to explore options. Deadline and NY Post both confirm Skydance and Paramount are leading suitors, with Comcast a wild-card player. Wells Fargo and Seeking Alpha warn regulatory obstacles could limit merger upside.
Insiders link Gunn’s uncertain position to these moves. Zaslav reportedly gave Gunn “carte blanche” to rebuild DC as a short-term asset enhancer—essentially boosting the studio’s value pre-sale. If Skydance or Comcast take over, sources predict a “Truth, Justice, and the American Way” return to classic Superman themes, sidelining Gunn’s edgier approach.
Could Gunn Return to Marvel?
While there’s no official talk of a Marvel reunion, fans see the writing on the wall. Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy grossed $2.5B+, and his June 2025 Rolling Stone interview joked about a potential DC–Marvel crossover. Deadline quoted him in July saying, “Life’s too short for guilt.”
With Disney’s post-Deadpool & Wolverine success ($1.3B global) and upcoming X-Men reboot, Marvel could welcome Gunn’s flair back. But Gunn’s exclusive DC contract (IMDb, 2023) likely runs through at least 2026, tying him to Superman: Man of Tomorrow development.
For now, his creative loyalties appear to stay with DC—unless the sale changes the equation.
The DCU’s Fork in the Road: Reboot or Ruin?
If the rumor holds, Gunn’s ouster would mark another identity crisis for DC. Superman’s middling performance and Peacemaker’s dip prove the franchise still hasn’t found solid footing. Should Skydance or Comcast secure WBD, insiders predict a sweeping rebrand—potentially reviving Snyder-era tones or scrapping the “Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters” blueprint altogether.
As bids heat up toward year’s end, Gunn’s fate may hinge on Q4 earnings and the outcome of WBD’s negotiations. Until then, DC fans remain divided, watching closely to see whether Gunn stays in charge—or exits stage left.
Hat Tips
Cosmic Book News: “James Gunn Out At DC With Warner Bros. Sale (Exclusive)”
Yahoo: “New Report Hints Superman’s Box Office Wasn’t Profitable Theatrically”
The Numbers: “Superman (2025) Financials”
Box Office Mojo: “Superman (2025)”
Forbes: “Superman’s Box Office Disappoints Despite Strong Opening”
ComicBookClub: “Is Peacemaker Season 2 A Hit?”
ThatParkPlace: “Peacemaker Ratings Are Tanking”
Deadline: “David Ellison’s Warner Bros Bid Takes Shape”
Reuters: “Paramount Skydance Preparing Bid for Warner Bros Discovery”
CNBC: “Warner Bros. Discovery Could See a Surprising Buyer”
IGN: “Upcoming Marvel Projects for 2025 and Beyond”