David Zaslav Says DC Has Finally Taken Flight After SUPERMAN's Box Office Win: 'The Vision Is Clear. The Momentum Is Real.' — GeekTyrant

Geek Tyrant

9 hours ago

After years of starts, stops, and superhero stumbles, the DC Universe may have finally found its footing, and David Zaslav is leading the victory lap.
Following a $122 million domestic and $217 million global opening weekend for James Gunn's Superman , Warner Bros. Discovery's CEO isn't just celebrating the numbers, he's doubling down on a unified DC future. In Zaslav's view, this is the beginning of a new era.
'Three years ago, I hired James Gunn and Peter Safran to reimagine and unify the creative direction of DC under one leadership team, by breathing new life and excitement into one of the most iconic storytelling franchises in the world,' Zaslav said.
'James and Peter's commitment to honoring the legacy of the DC Universe while forging something new and enthralling is inspired.'
The early success of Superman , starring David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan, arrives on the heels of a string of DC misfires like The Flash , Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom , Shazam: Fury of the Gods , and Blue Beetle all struggled to make an impact. But with a fresh vision, a rebooted tone, and a clearer roadmap, Gunn's Superman has become a much-needed turning point.
Zaslav recalled his initial meeting with Gunn, noting how personal these characters seemed to him. 'When he spoke about the DC characters, they were like his family.' That level of connection, he said, made it obvious Gunn was the right person to guide the cinematic reboot.
Zaslav made it clear this was only the beginning, saying: 'This weekend, we watched Superman soar as James Gunn's passion and vision came to life on the big screen. Superman is just the first step.
'Over the next year alone, DC Studios will introduce the films Supergirl and Clayface in theaters and the series Lanterns on HBO Max, all part of a bold 10-year plan. The DC vision is clear, the momentum is real, and I couldn't be more excited for what's ahead.'
That 10-year plan includes a full slate of interconnected films and series, with Supergirl and Clayface already in motion and a new Wonder Woman project reportedly in early development. The goal is creating a cohesive universe with consistent tone and purpose—a far cry from DC's scattered past.
There's still some pressure though, as a $225 million budget means Superman needs strong legs to prove it's not just a frontloaded win, and with Disney's Thunderbolts recently flaming out after an impressive start, there's reason to be cautious.
But right now? Zaslav along with the cast and crew of the film are enjoying the success.