Paramount chief David Ellison has confirmed a strategic pivot toward creating content that appeals primarily to America’s heartland, focusing on patriotic and traditional values. This shift, reported by Variety, emphasizes stories designed for audiences living outside coastal urban centers, aiming to connect with more conservative, flag-forward viewers. The possibility of Paramount acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) means this new approach could extend to Warner Bros. and its DC Universe (DCU) properties.
Such a transition suggests a preference for programming that feels distinctly American and avoids divisive themes, placing James Gunn’s current leadership of the DCU under serious scrutiny, as his creative style has often sparked controversy among conservative audiences.
James Gunn’s Politics Contradict the Emerging Studio Vision
James Gunn’s public clashes with conservative groups have been well documented, including his 2018 firing from Disney over past tweets involving offensive jokes. More recently, his DCU projects, especially Peacemaker Season 2, have faced criticism for politically charged narratives. The season included a controversial storyline comparing real-world events to a Nazi universe, alongside LGBTQ+ characters mocking Jesus Christ, which many fans found polarizing and alienating.
“Superman leads into this show and then we have the setting up of all of the rest of the DCU in this season of Peacemaker, it’s incredibly important,” – James Gunn
This approach contributed to a sharp decline in viewership, with Peacemaker Season 2 losing nearly 40% of its audience before cancellation.
In his DCU Peacemaker episode ‘Like a Thief in the Night,’ @JamesGunn mocks faith — equating love for Jesus Christ with Nazis. – Cosmic Book News
The pattern of controversial content extends beyond Peacemaker. Gunn’s iteration of Superman sparked debates over alleged Israel–Palestine parallels, as covered by Variety, while other DC projects like Creature Commandos and upcoming films such as Supergirl and the Lanterns series include similarly provocative themes. This politically charged storytelling clashes sharply with the patriotic tone Paramount appears ready to embrace.
Current DC Projects and James Gunn’s Uncertain Position
Aside from ideological differences, Gunn’s DCU rollout has struggled to gain strong commercial traction. The Superman movie reportedly underperformed at the box office, reinforcing concerns about the franchise’s viability under his leadership. Similarly, the drop in Peacemaker viewership and the lack of new official projects beyond already announced titles leave the DCU’s future ambiguous.
James Gunn admits his DCU future is in doubt – Cosmic Book News
Gunn himself has publicly acknowledged his uncertain future with the DCU, stating he might not continue after the release of Man of Tomorrow. This uncertainty aligns with the trend seen when new management arrives and often seeks talent more in line with their direction.
For instance, Paramount’s Ellison recently ensured Taylor Sheridan returned to write the Call of Duty movie, despite Sheridan’s previous departure from the company. Sheridan’s focus on middle-America, patriotic storytelling clearly fits the new Paramount vision, signaling that creators who embody these values will remain favored.
In contrast, Gunn’s confrontational and divisive style alienates the core middle-America audience Paramount wants to cultivate, making his continued leadership improbable.
The Importance of Broad Appeal for DC’s Future
DC is a cornerstone American brand with Superman symbolizing the ideals often called “the American Way.” Paramount’s apparent shift to an America-first content strategy means the DCU will likely align itself with more mainstream, patriotic themes rather than Gunn’s ideological and sardonic narratives. This contrast is significant as it reflects a fundamental change in who the studio aims to engage.
James Gunn’s often confrontational storytelling does not resonate with viewers seeking traditional, unifying messages, a factor that further undermines his position as the head of the DCU.
With his contract concluding in 2026 and his future already in question, the signs indicate that Paramount will likely seek new leadership for DC as part of a broader realignment under its evolving corporate strategy.
What Lies Ahead for the DC Universe
If Paramount successfully acquires Warner Bros. Discovery and implements its MAGA and middle-America-focused strategy, James Gunn’s current run as DCU overseer is expected to end. His divisive creative direction has failed to maintain strong audience support and directly contradicts the studio’s new vision. Gunn’s own indication that he may step down, combined with the studio’s preference for creators like Taylor Sheridan, points toward a reboot under new leadership.
This shift will likely lead to a reimagining of DC’s content with an emphasis on broader cultural appeal and patriotism, marking a clear departure from Gunn’s tenure. The future of the DC Universe now hinges on how Paramount’s strategic changes materialize and who will be chosen to lead the beloved franchise forward.
"Superman leads into this show and then we have the setting up of all of the rest of the DCU in this season of Peacemaker, it's incredibly important," – James Gunn
James Gunn's DCU pic.twitter.com/MKYmpJOWuf
— Nerdrotic (@Nerdrotics) October 3, 2025
In his DCU Peacemaker episode ‘Like a Thief in the Night,’ @JamesGunn mocks faith — equating love for Jesus Christ with Nazis. pic.twitter.com/BQOjFW09eb
— Cosmic Book News (@cosmicbooknews) October 3, 2025
James Gunn admits his DCU future is in doubt pic.twitter.com/Wgo6Lx6CfO
— Cosmic Book News (@cosmicbooknews) October 22, 2025
