DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn is once again at the center of online speculation following a report from the unreliable rumor site "Cosmic Book News". The article claimed Gunn would be replaced by producer Mike De Luca as head of the DC Universe if Paramount successfully acquired Warner Bros. Discovery. However, this report was quickly debunked by multiple media outlets and journalists, who dismissed it as entirely fabricated.
According to the site, "If David Ellison acquires Warner Bros. Discovery, James Gunn will be out." The report even dragged politics into the mix, alleging close ties between the Ellison family and former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Given "Cosmic Book News'" long-standing reputation for "spreading misinformation," most initially dismissed the claims. Nevertheless, the rumors rapidly spread across social media, leading many fans to speculate whether Gunn's leadership of DC was truly in jeopardy.
In response, renowned entertainment journalist Jeff Sneider publicly debunked the rumors on his show "The Hot Mic," calling the claims "complete nonsense" and emphasizing that "Cosmic Book News" lacks any credible sources.
"Mike De Luca is not taking over the DC Universe, and the rumors of Paramount acquiring Warner Bros. have already fallen apart. This entire thing simply doesn't exist," Sneider stated.
Since James Gunn and Peter Safran took joint control of DC Studios in late 2022, the brand's overall trajectory has steadily stabilized. The DCU's inaugural chapter, "Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters," is progressing smoothly, with "Creature Commandos" and "Peacemaker" garnering strong viewership and positive critical reception on HBO Max.
Gunn recently addressed the challenges of transitioning into an executive role, stating, "Being an executive is a brand new experience for me. I used to be a director and a writer, and now I have to learn how to be a good producer." He emphasized his commitment to "fully supporting other creators and helping them tell the best stories."
Gunn's position is widely considered secure. As the DCU steadily rebuilds its reputation under his leadership, international media outlets have unanimously dismissed the "replacement controversy" as nothing more than false rumors. Should upcoming projects like "Supergirl" and "Clayface" perform well, Gunn's path to rebuilding DC will be further solidified.