James Gunn’s DC future is facing major uncertainty as Paramount appears poised to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, with reports indicating that new owners may overhaul the DC universe and Gunn’s leadership may soon end. Industry insiders and new developments suggest Gunn’s run at DC is near its conclusion, while Mike De Luca could take charge if the sale proceeds.
Paramount Sets Plans for DC as Sale Looms
According to multiple sources, including Puck News, Paramount is already making early moves to develop new DC projects, despite the Warner Bros. Discovery sale not being finalized. The Ellisons, who are leading the Paramount bid, seem confident in their position, with DC leadership at Warner Bros. Discovery potentially being replaced.
Reportedly, Paramount executives visited Prague to pursue a collaboration with Zach Cregger, known for his work on “Weapons” and “Resident Evil.” Cregger hopes to direct a film situated
in a particular corner of the DC universe.
Their approach to Cregger before closing the deal reflects Paramount’s belief that the company’s current DC bosses, including James Gunn, may soon be irrelevant.
Shift in DC Creative Control Impacts Pitch Process
Zach Cregger had initially intended to take his DC film idea directly to James Gunn under the existing leadership at Warner Bros. Discovery. However, as rumors of Gunn’s imminent exit grow and key decision-makers potentially change, it now appears less likely Gunn will oversee or approve new projects.
Cregger shared in July that his pitch focused on a Gotham-set DC film. Later, THR revealed the film’s title—“Henchman.” This concept follows an unremarkable Gotham criminal who unintentionally incapacitates Batman, quickly finding himself respected among other criminals. The story includes iconic DC figures like Harley Quinn and the Joker. Cregger described his script as
the best thing I’ve ever written,
which he developed prior to his success with “Barbarian” and “Weapons.”
With Paramount expected to lead DC’s next chapter and Gunn’s control reportedly slipping, it is likely that Cregger’s pitch will be presented to a new executive team instead of the outgoing leadership.
Industry Reports Point to an Imminent Leadership Shakeup
Puck News offered a direct assessment of the situation, stating,
“As things now stand at Warner Bros., James Gunn and Peter Safran control who directs DC movies… It sounds like change may be in the wind if, indeed, the Ellisons prevail.”
—Puck News
Some insiders maintain that not only is Gunn’s departure imminent, but the return of the SnyderVerse storyline—which some fans continue to champion—may also be considered if new leadership seeks a revised direction for DC.
A recent post from industry watchers circulated another update:
Puck reports that Zach Cregger is already pitching a DC movie to Paramount.And that Paramount might not keep DC Studios as a greenlight authority, contrary to previous reports.https://t.co/qV4m7c8L3X pic.twitter.com/yGAztEJ86Q— Ultra Biased Snyder Fan (@SnyderRandom) December 3, 2025
—Ultra Biased Snyder Fan, Social Media Commentator
This update builds on the growing notion that DC Studios’ power to approve future projects could be revoked by Paramount, reflecting a deep shift in how DC movies are greenlit and developed.
Major Repercussions Expected in the DC Universe
If the Paramount acquisition proceeds as anticipated, current creative leaders such as James Gunn and Peter Safran could be replaced, putting many announced and unannounced DC projects in question. Mike De Luca’s possible elevation within the company would signal a dramatic change from recent years. The fate of the “Henchman” film, as well as other entries involving characters like Batman, Joker, and Harley Quinn, may rest with incoming management.
As Gotham-centric stories and wider DC universe plans hang in the balance, both fans and creators are left to speculate on what shape the DC film landscape will take if the sale is completed and control passes from Warner Bros. Discovery to Paramount.
Puck reports that Zach Cregger is already pitching a DC movie to Paramount.
And that Paramount might not keep DC Studios as a greenlight authority, contrary to previous reports.https://t.co/qV4m7c8L3X pic.twitter.com/yGAztEJ86Q
— Ultra Biased Snyder Fan (@SnyderRandom) December 3, 2025
