James Gunn’s DCU Contract Extended: Insiders Say the Real Story Is Much Bigger (Exclusive)

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It’s safe to say Netflix winning the bid to buy Warner Bros. Discovery blindsided everyone.

Those working at the studio are stunned, as everyone anticipated Paramount would acquire it. I’m hearing that Warner Bros. Discovery’s biggest priority is ensuring films continue to be released in theaters.

Netflix’s “Expects to Maintain Operations”

Netflix recently announced in a press release that it plans to keep things running as they are with Warner Bros., but the use of the word “expects” raises some concerns.

WBD Tries To Hold Executives

Warner Bros. Discovery then announced a bonus program to encourage executives to stay with the company during the changeover.

Gunn and Safran Contract Questions

Bloomberg reported that James Gunn and Peter Safran’s contracts end in Spring 2027.

They apparently received a six-month extension, but the real news is what wasn’t included – they didn’t get the lengthy, multi-year agreement that Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy managed to negotiate.

Deal Timeline Lines Up With Man of Tomorrow

My insiders say the Netflix–WBD deal could take a year and a half to two years to finalize.

That schedule fits with James Gunn finishing Man of Tomorrow in time for its summer 2027 release. Plus, De Luca quickly scheduled the Minecraft sequel just two weeks later.

The extended shutdown is probably going to delay major movie releases – could that be why Mortal Kombat II is now scheduled for 2026?

Gunn Shifts Back to the “Marvel Method”

I’ve learned that James Gunn has changed his plan for developing the DC Universe. Instead of waiting for completed scripts, he’s now moving faster and using a technique similar to how Marvel develops projects – starting with outlines and building from there – for the Man of Tomorrow project.

He shared the storyboards to illustrate his process. He starts with a general plan, focusing on the major visual effects and exciting scenes. Then, he builds in character development and uses his writers’ humor to strengthen any areas that need improvement.

According to people working on the project, this method will likely put a lot of pressure on the visual effects teams. They expect artificial intelligence to be used to help make the rendering process faster and more efficient.

Gunn’s Propaganda Push

Sources close to me say James Gunn is actively trying to influence media coverage, presenting a very positive view of the Supergirl project. Interestingly, both Deadline and Puck News have supported our earlier reports by raising doubts about Gunn’s long-term role at DC.

Kim Martin, a writer with Puck who previously reported for The Hollywood Reporter on issues involving Geoff Johns, Joss Whedon, and Walter Hamada, is reportedly in the know about a developing story, according to my sources.

Paramount Recruiting Behind Gunn’s Back

Paramount was also recruiting behind Gunn’s back when they went to Prague to court Zach Cregger.

Hollywood Goes to War Over Netflix Buying WBD

Sources close to the situation tell me that Hollywood is bracing for a major conflict over Netflix’s potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The initial stages of this battle have already begun.

If Netflix downsizes DC, my insiders expect Gunn out.

Netflix May Not Care About Quality

It’s also possible that Netflix might focus on making a lot of content quickly, rather than focusing on making high-quality shows and movies.

DC movies have already proven popular on the streaming service, like with Black Adam. Plus, even Marvel films from Sony do well on the service, even if they didn’t perform well in theaters.

Because Netflix has so many subscribers—and that number will grow with the addition of content from Warner Bros. Discovery—the focus isn’t on making amazing shows, just making a lot of them. This situation could actually benefit James Gunn.

Netflix freezing out competitors

Sources familiar with the situation suggest Netflix’s offer could be designed to eliminate competition. The deal might sideline Warner Bros. and prevent Paramount or Comcast from being major players in the streaming market for up to two years.

Safran Sends Out Signals

Peter Safran has already gone to the trades pushing the line that Gunn is the best man for the job.

The fact he’s selling that so hard tells you their jobs are anything but guaranteed.

AI’s Role in the New Regime

Another big part of all this is AI, which I’ll save for another article.

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2025-12-07 01:32