James Gunn, speaking as co-CEO of DC Studios, has highlighted the risks of beginning major productions without fully developed scripts, a practice he identifies as a key factor in declining movie theater attendance. His remarks come as his Superman reboot, a crucial release for DC’s new cinematic universe, prepares to hit theaters next month, putting James Gunn on unfinished scripts and DC movie quality squarely in the spotlight.
James Gunn Criticizes Incomplete Screenplays in the Industry
In recent interviews promoting his upcoming Superman film, Gunn pointed to a concerning trend across Hollywood: studios pushing projects into production before the screenplay is finalized. This rush, Gunn suggested, plays a significant role in why fewer people are choosing to see movies in theaters today. Gunn brings a unique perspective, balancing his role as a filmmaker with responsibilities as a studio executive, giving him insight into both the creative and business pressures at play.
In a discussion with Rolling Stone Magazine, Gunn stated,
It’s not because of people not wanting to see movies. It’s not because of home screens getting so good. The number-one reason is because people are making movies without a finished screenplay,
—James Gunn, Co-CEO of DC Studios. Gunn’s assessment underscores his belief that quality content starts with strong writing, and no amount of technical polish or marketing can make up for narrative weaknesses.
DC Studios Cancels Projects Over Script Concerns
Gunn gave further insight into his leadership approach at DC Studios, revealing that projects have been scrapped solely due to unsatisfactory scripts. He explained that even if a project has commercial momentum and stakeholder support, he is unwilling to greenlight anything without a complete, polished story. Gunn emphasized his commitment to high standards, referencing the recent cancellation of a DC Studios project due to script issues, while praising the exceptional quality of upcoming movies like Supergirl, Lanterns, and Clayface.
We just killed a project [at DC Studios]. Everybody wanted to make the movie. It was greenlit, ready to go. The screenplay wasn’t ready. And I couldn’t do a movie where the screenplay’s not good. And we’ve been really lucky so far, because ‘Supergirl’s’ script was so f***ing good off the bat. And then ‘Lanterns‘ came in, and the script was so f***ing good. ‘Clayface,’ same thing. So f***ing good. So we have these scripts that we’ve been really lucky with or wise in our choices or whatever the combination is.
—James Gunn, Co-CEO of DC Studios.
The Pressure to Meet Blockbuster Deadlines
The entertainment industry at large, including giants like Disney and Marvel Studios, is often driven by strict release schedules. High-profile movies are frequently dated years in advance, which can lead to projects entering production before their scripts have reached their full potential. This approach sometimes results in costly, time-consuming reshoots—a pattern not unfamiliar to blockbusters competing for busy release calendars. While some franchises occasionally succeed despite these setbacks, there is growing criticism that “fixing it in post” with additional editing or reshoots does not always salvage stories that were underdeveloped from the start.
Quality vs. Quantity: Audience Expectations Shift
As industry insiders and film fans increasingly advocate for prioritizing quality over quantity, there is debate on whether expensive reshoots and elaborate post-production can compensate for a weak script. Many, including executives like James Gunn, insist that story quality is foundational, and that audiences can discern when a narrative is hastily assembled. His recent decisions signal a broader movement in Hollywood toward developing fully realized scripts before anyone steps on set.
Looking Ahead for DC and the Film Industry
With Gunn and Peter Safran at the helm of DC Studios, there is a clear emphasis on strong source material, as shown by their willingness to halt productions that are not script-ready. As the new DCU launches with the upcoming Superman feature, this philosophy could set a precedent for other studios facing similar creative and commercial pressures. The industry may well be watching closely to see whether Gunn’s approach to prioritizing complete scripts translates into higher quality films and renewed audience enthusiasm for theaters. If successful, this focus on narrative integrity could help revitalize how studios approach blockbuster filmmaking across the board.
