James Gunn Out at DC as Netflix Eyes Darker Direction Claims Rumor

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Rumors are circulating once more that James Gunn might leave his position as head of DC Studios when Warner Bros. Discovery is sold.

I remember when I first broke the story – James Gunn did a whole series of interviews on YouTube where he really seemed to be second-guessing his role with DC. It definitely raised some eyebrows at the time!

Both Deadlineand Puck News backed up what I said.

After Netflix successfully acquired Warner Bros. Discovery, James Gunn and Peter Safran immediately went to Bloomberg, seemingly trying to secure their positions within the company.

I’ve been following the DC situation closely, and it’s getting more concerning. Apparently, Tachyon Pulse, a YouTuber with some good sources in the industry, is saying that the rumors are true: James Gunn might not be with DC for much longer if Warner Bros. Discovery goes through with selling the company. It’s a bit worrying, honestly, because I really admire what he’s been trying to do with the DC Universe.

Despite reports that James Gunn is leaving after Paramount’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, a YouTuber claims he’ll likely be let go even with Netflix. The reason? The YouTuber believes Gunn’s vision for the DC Universe is simply too lighthearted and silly.

Superman Criticized as “Cartoonish” and “Fake”

A recent video by Tachyon Pulse, titled “Revealing Netflix big DC plan!! Exclusive,” shared concerns from an industry analyst about James Gunn’s vision for DC Studios and whether he’ll remain there long-term.

I recently read a review of James Gunn’s Superman movie on Tachyon Pulse, and they felt it went a little too far with the comedy. It actually reminded me of something I’d heard from someone in the industry – an analyst, apparently – who had similar worries about the tone. It sounds like they were concerned it wasn’t taking itself seriously enough.

James Gunn has embraced the over-the-top nature of his work, describing it as almost cartoonish – a term he himself used.

While praising parts of the film, he pointed to moments that didn’t land:

There are a few parts that are just a bit ridiculous – like the scene where Superman saves a squirrel. It feels a little silly.

He also highlighted a specific action sequence that analysts reportedly flagged as weak:

Many industry experts and analysts agreed the scene didn’t feel authentic. They described it as unrealistic, comparing it to a cartoon and noting its artificial, almost plastic appearance, rather than a believable war zone.

DC Won’t Reset Again — But Gunn May Not Stay

Tachyon Pulse reports that an analyst thinks DC Comics won’t be rebooting its entire universe, even though some of the recent creative decisions haven’t been well-received.

“They will not scrap this universe and start again. They just won’t.”

However, that doesn’t mean Gunn is locked in long-term:

“Even though they won’t do a full reset, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll stick with Gunn.”

Gunn’s DC Studios deal reportedly runs through 2027, as does co-CEO Peter Safran’s:

From what I understand within the industry, Safran is highly regarded and people want to see him succeed. However, there’s a feeling that James Gunn might not be the right creative leader to guide the project forward.

Batman Is the Biggest Problem

The YouTuber is repeating concerns that many people share: they’re worried about how James Gunn will handle Batman. Andy Muschietti has already said that plans for the DCU’s Batman are currently paused.

One of the biggest red flags raised by the analyst was how Batman fits into Gunn’s DCU tone:

How can we successfully include such a major DC character like Batman in a project that feels aimed at young children?

Tachyon Pulse also said the current standalone Batman universe under Matt Reeves may not continue:

It seems that’s not going to happen either. They’re planning to include Batman in this new universe, but Robert Pattinson won’t fit with their vision.

Too Many Characters, Too Much Humor

He criticized the crowded cast and tonal overload:

I felt the movie tried to do too much by including so many characters. It was overwhelming.

Hawkgirl and the Justice Gang were singled out:

I didn’t like the way Hawkgirl’s character was portrayed, and I think the Justice Gang storyline didn’t fit well in the movie.

While Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner performance was praised, it was also seen as excessive:

“Nathan Fillian actually played it really well, but it was maybe too much within this movie.”

Netflix Wants DC to Go Darker — But Not Snyder-Dark

So, from what I’m hearing, Netflix wants to go with a darker, more mature feel for their DC stuff, but they’re not aiming to completely recreate Zack Snyder’s vision. It sounds like they want something serious, but not that serious, if you know what I mean! It’s a nice middle ground, honestly.

Netflix believes it needs to focus more on projects that are darker and more dramatic.

He added:

They’re hesitant to fully embrace Snyder’s vision, they don’t want to go to that extreme. However, they are open to incorporating some of his ideas.

Several scenes in Superman reportedly clashed with that vision:

According to reports, four or five scenes were cut from the Superman movie, and those removed scenes would have better aligned with what Netflix was looking for.

Gunn Could Be Out in 2027

As a big DC fan, I was surprised to hear that James Gunn and Peter Safran only got six-month extensions on their DCU contracts. Apparently, it’s tied to when Warner Bros. Discovery is expected to be bought by Netflix – so it makes sense they’re waiting to finalize things until after that deal goes through. It’s a bit unsettling, but understandable given the circumstances.

According to Tachyon Pulse, industry sources suggest that if Netflix acquires the company, a new leader will likely be appointed.

“So, James Gunn could be out in 2027.”

He questioned whether Gunn can adjust his style:

“I actually think he can’t quite help himself. So, how would he bring Batman into this universe?”

What This Means Going Forward

While not officially confirmed, this fits with increasing doubts about how James Gunn is handling DC’s biggest heroes.

If Warner Bros. Discovery is sold and Netflix becomes a major player, DC Comics could shift towards more realistic and less humorous stories, regardless of whether James Gunn remains involved.

What we have been told

There’s talk that the SnyderVerse might be revived, particularly with potential involvement from Paramount and investors in Saudi Arabia. If Netflix were to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, Zack Snyder could potentially direct a film adaptation of The Dark Knight Returns.

Okay, so here’s the latest buzz. A YouTuber I follow thinks Netflix is planning to continue with the existing DC Universe, but they’re aiming for a darker, more mature tone – kind of like what Zack Snyder was doing, but without actually bringing Snyder back into the fold. However, my sources tell me that Snyder’s vision will eventually return, and then we’re looking at another full reboot of the DCU, probably spearheaded by the heads of Warner Bros. films, Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy. It’s a lot of back and forth, honestly!

There is also doubt whether the Netflix WBD deal will go through.

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2025-12-15 02:34