James Gunn and Peter Safran to Remain at DC After Warner/Paramount Merger

According to The Wrap, James Gunn and Peter Safran are expected to remain as co-CEOs of DC Studios regardless of the outcome of the merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery.

The studio plans to keep the duo in charge of the DC universe, alongside Pam Abdy, Mike De Luca (Warner Bros.) and Richard Brener (New Line), if the deal is approved.

The merger, valued at US$111 billion, is facing legal challenges. Paramount agreed not to move forward with the deal until the legal issues are resolved or until June 1, 2027. 

The delay could cost Paramount around $6.9 million per day starting on September 30, an amount owed to Warner Bros. shareholders. Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín extended the temporary restraining order preventing the deal from closing until at least August 18.

If the merger is completed, Paramount and Warner Bros. are expected to operate as independent studios, each committed to producing 15 films per year, with 45-day windows before digital release. Speculation about Gunn and Safran leaving arose because their contracts expire in late 2026 or early 2027, but The Wrap's report indicates that DC Studios is not expected to undergo any leadership changes.