DC Studios co-heads James Gunn and Peter Safran are busy reworking the DCU. As a result, however, they’ve been facing backlash from most of the internet. Now James Gunn has taken the opportunity to respond to this backlash.
As you can see below, James Gunn released a statement on Twitter to address the criticisms. Interestingly, however, he notes that he and Safran were already aware that there would be backlash. They both expected it and Gunn noted that they’ve already endured worse in the past.
Here’s how he began his statement:
“One of the things Peter & I were aware of when we took the job as heads of DC Studios was a certain minority of people online that could be, well, uproarious & unkind, to say the least.”
James Gunn further emphasized that their plans revolve around what they “believe is best for the story & best for the DC characters who have been around for nearly 85 years.” And while he admits the choices could be taken either way, they were “made with sincere hearts & integrity & always with the story in mind.”
Our choices for the DCU are based upon what we believe is best for the story & best for the DC characters who have been around for nearly 85 years. Perhaps these choices are great, perhaps not, but they are made with sincere hearts & integrity & always with the story in mind.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) December 19, 2022
He next addressed the name calling and noted that no amount of “disrespectful outcry” will alter their actions.
No one loves to be harassed or called names – but, to be frank, we’ve been through significantly worse. Disrespectful outcry will never, ever affect our actions.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) December 19, 2022
As such, Gunn understand that a “period of turbulence” would be coming after he took the job. And, furthermore, that this would include “difficult & not-so-obvious choices.” But he hopes that this will allow them “to create a wide & wonderful future for DC.”
We were aware there would be a period of turbulence when we took this gig, & we knew we would sometimes have to make difficult & not-so-obvious choices, especially in the wake of the fractious nature of what came before us.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) December 19, 2022
But this means little to us in comparison to our jobs as artists & custodians in helping to create a wide & wonderful future for DC.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) December 19, 2022
A large majority of the backlash started after James Gunn announced his plans for a Superman movie without Henry Cavill. Fans were hopeful that Cavill would return to the role following his appearance in Black Adam. However, James Gunn was not involved with that project and he hopes to create a new slate.
As for what the rest of this slate consists of, however, that remains to be seen. But it’s expected that we’ll be getting a mix of both old and new in the near future. With that in mind, fans can stay tuned to ScreenGeek for additional updates as we have them.