The news that induced a state of frenzy amongst several CBM fans and the general audiences came in the form of director James Gunn and producer Peter Safran having been chosen to lead Warner Bros Discovery’s DC Studios. This decision has endowed the two mentioned personalities with the responsibility of looking over the upcoming studio productions, encompassing films, animation, and TV shows.
This year marked a revolutionary step for DCU’s future. With CEO David Zaslav and his 10-year plan to steer the franchise’s momentum to parallel the likes of the MCU, one can ascertain that there has (most certainly) been a shift in the real-life hierarchy, as well, which may allow for projects of greater potential to exist and come to fruition.
James Gunn’s Association With Joss Whedon
Not everyone is happy with the decision that has been taken.
Some remain skeptical about Gunn’s leadership as the new DCU head and what it might mean for the future of the acclaimed franchise. A few are convinced that a familiar name, albeit one that triggers disdain, is set to make a return. People on Twitter are particularly concerned about the Guardians of the Galaxy alum having associations with the much-controversial Joss Whedon.
Whedon is a personality that most CBM enthusiasts are familiar with. However, for the past few years now, the Justice League director has found himself at the forefront of various allegations made by several co-workers, specifically on grounds of workplace misconduct, abusive behavior, and misogyny. Furthermore, the films made by the director and screenwriter have fallen under much scrutiny.
Read also: Biggest Joss Whedon Controversies That Slowly Destroyed His Career Bit By Bit
Certain aspects of his narrative have not been found to sit well with fans of both MCU and DCEU. The 2017 Justice League is perhaps the biggest testament to such a claim. Even several details in 2015’s Avengers: Age of Ultron (both written and directed by Whedon) majorly upset the audiences. Whether it be the rampant sexualization of Black Widow or a poor, distasteful r*pe joke, featuring Tony Stark claiming, “I will be reinstituting prima nocta.”
Therefore, there’s a clear, distinct reason why many have taken a strong disliking to the notorious filmmaker who keeps finding himself amidst constant surges of scandalous affairs.
Now, with the news of James Gunn‘s newfound DCU leadership making rounds across the Internet, fans have pointed out his close ties with the creator of Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Many have placed their Whedon-skepticism onto Gunn, thoroughly convinced that the Peacemaker creator has the power to bring back the former under the DCEU threshold, seeing how the two happen to be old friends.
Fans Point Out James Gunn’s Ties With Joss Whedon
As mentioned earlier, not everyone is happy with the news of James Gunn being the head of the DC Comics film and TV unit. While some are excited about what the future may bring, others hold on to the past.
Taking to Twitter, several DC fans have pointed out the closeness shared between Gunn and Whedon. One enthusiast stated that they would wholeheartedly accept the new DCU head’s leadership if he brings back Ray Fisher as Cyborg within the spectrum of future narrative. In a scalding reply to this, another fan pointed out several facts:
James Gunn is good friends with Geoff Johns and Joss Whedon and even liked tweets dissing Fisher. Good luck with that. https://t.co/0wuybGmyRg
— Unbiased Snyder Fan (@snyder_all) October 25, 2022
Under this tweet, were several other replies. One such addition revealed a screenshot of a tweet that was liked by The Suicide Squad director, which seemed to have been defending Joss Whedon’s honor when Ray Fisher’s allegations initially came to the surface. The second reply referenced that one time Whedon brought up Gunn’s creative artistry amidst Martin Scorsese’s comments against Marvel films.
— Unbiased Snyder Fan (@snyder_all) October 25, 2022
— Unbiased Snyder Fan (@snyder_all) October 25, 2022
While initially, Gunn may have been in support of Whedon during the Ray Fisher controversy, the matter was addressed by the GOTG alum earlier this year when he confirmed via Twitter that he was not aware of the depth of the convoluted situation. He also affirmed, “I shouldn’t have liked the tweet.”
Gunn’s explanation and apology tweet, however, has been deleted, as rightfully pointed out by several other replies under the post made by the DC fan.
He even deleted his apology to Ray Fisher. I’m so done with DC pic.twitter.com/t7DLeLvLNu
— MikeyD (@FilmLover09) October 25, 2022
As alleged by other users, the Peacemaker alum apparently deletes older tweets on a periodical basis. Therefore, the claims of him being opposed to Ray Fisher’s inclusion in future projects do not hold strong ground. Additionally, whether or not his earlier ties with Joss Whedon spells a troublesome outcome for DCEU in the upcoming days cannot be ascertained.
Hence, such claims remain rather speculative.
For now, fans of the DC franchise are dependent on James Gunn and Peter Safran when it comes to ushering in a new, fresh, and golden age of films, TV shows, and animated projects. It will soon be revealed whether or not the two heads succeed in doing so.
Source: Twitter
