Producer Defends James Gunn's DCU Direction Amidst Fan Concerns: Inside the SnyderVerse-Era

Highlights

The rebooted DC Universe under James Gunn and Peter Safran has raised concerns among some executives about the uncertain use of actors from the previous DCEU.

Producer Charles Roven, known for his involvement in Wonder Woman and Justice League, recently shared his skepticism regarding the potential retention of the current actors in their respective roles for the new DCU. In light of ongoing strike issues and the criticality of casting choices, Roven's comments shed light on the complexities involved in establishing the fresh canon for the DC Universe franchise.

As James Gunn and Peter Safran take the reins of the rebooted DC Universe, one major figure from the previous Snyder-led franchise expresses concerns regarding the casting choices made by Gunn and Safran for the new DCU.

Following a period of uncertainty due to the merger that formed Warner Bros. Discovery, newly appointed CEO David Zaslav embarked on a thorough search for a creative leader to oversee the conglomerate's DC projects. Eventually, it was decided that Gunn would lead the DC film division in collaboration with Peter Safran. The duo wasted no time in crafting a rejuvenated lineup of DC films, with plans to breathe new life into the brand. They are set to utilize the existing Flashpoint storyline as a narrative tool to transition into the new DC Universe, with a Flash film slated for release in 2023.

While The Flash's box office results during its opening weekend were lower than expected, the development of new shows and films at WB continues without hindrance. However, there is concern from a notable executive from the old DCEU regarding the new slate. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, producer Charles Roven expressed his dissatisfaction with the rebooted universe, specifically addressing the uncertainty surrounding the previous DCEU's actors. Roven's remarks came after discussing his involvement with the new DCU and his collaboration with Gunn on The Suicide Squad.

Currently, there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the decision to use or not use any DCEU actors in their respective roles," Roven explained. He is the producer of Oppenheimer, a highly anticipated project that is seen as the pinnacle of Christopher Nolan's filmmaking career. "As of now, we haven't had any discussions about it. James and I are close friends, along with our spouses. We do see each other socially, but business matters are not on our agenda."

In addition to his work on films such as Wonder Woman and Justice League, the accomplished producer also addressed the challenges posed by ongoing strikes that halt production. "Every movie brings new problems, and the strike is a perfect example. It was the first time I had ever experienced a shutdown due to a strike. We were almost finished shooting The Killer when we had to stop. It's definitely a new situation for me." While Roven seems to take the situation in stride, some actors, like Stephen Amell from Arrow, have openly criticized the strike.

Roven's concerns and observations are widely acknowledged and relevant, particularly considering the confirmation that characters like Viola Davis' Amanda Waller will remain untouched in the new canon. The status of many other characters remains uncertain as fans eagerly await the release of 2025's Superman: Legacy. Despite the shortcomings of the DCEU, the casting choices generally received positive feedback, with the actors involved, such as Henry Cavill, establishing a strong connection with audiences. As Gunn and Safran continue to shape the new canon for the DC Universe franchise, they will need to take this into careful consideration.