David Ellison Meets with James Gunn and Peter Safran, Producer Confirms: “He’s Pretty Open to What We’re Doing”
DC Studios co-chairmen and co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran recently engaged in discussions with Paramount Skydance chairman and CEO David Ellison. This meeting comes amid the ongoing proposed merger between Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Skydance.
Premiere Insights
During the Brooklyn blue carpet premiere of Supergirl, executive producer Lars P. Winther confirmed that Ellison had visited Atlanta, where Man of Tomorrow, a sequel to 2025’s Superman, is currently in production. Winther noted that Ellison visited Trilith Studios, the primary filming location for projects directed by Gunn. He stated, “He came to Atlanta, we showed him everything, and we’re having discussions with him.”
Future of DC Studios
Following Netflix’s decision to withdraw its bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, the merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery is set to proceed with a valuation of $111 billion. This development has raised questions regarding Gunn and Safran’s leadership at DC Studios. Winther indicated that Ellison is interested in their current projects. The duo’s slate, announced in 2023, includes ten titles. Winther remarked, “He’s pretty open to what we’re doing. We do have a slate and a lot of it — obviously, Clayface is already coming out. We already have the Lanterns TV show. On those things, the train’s left the station. So we’re good.”
Upcoming Projects
As the release of Supergirl, featuring Milly Alcock, approaches on June 26, Winther highlighted several upcoming titles and the trajectory following Man of Tomorrow. He mentioned, “Supergirl we shot in London. Clayface was in London. We started shooting Batman 2 about a week and a half ago in London.” He added that Man of Tomorrow features Alcock and will explore her character’s journey back to Earth, emphasizing a more grounded narrative.
Character Development
The transition from Supergirl’s intergalactic storyline to Superman’s Earth-based narrative is a key reason for Kara Zor-El’s central role in the upcoming DC film. Winther explained the intention to build a cohesive DC Universe, stating, “We’re trying to build our DCU and that Superman family, that’s the main reason we went there. We love that comic, and we haven’t seen a Supergirl movie in a long time.”
Standalone Narrative
Director Craig Gillespie confirmed that Supergirl is designed as a standalone film. He expressed excitement about treating each project as its own narrative, stating, “It was both intimidating and exhilarating to not have any railings on this of where we could go with it.” He emphasized the character-driven nature of the story and the potential for further exploration of Kara’s journey.
Film Length and Structure
Supergirl runs for approximately 1 hour and 48 minutes. Gillespie noted the film’s pacing, stating, “Because it’s this road trip between two women, it just ended up landing there.” He mentioned that the film’s structure focuses on their goals and experiences, which contributed to its concise runtime.
Source Material
The film is based on the comic Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, which serves as an origin story for Krypton. Winther explained that Kara’s perspective on Krypton’s demise differs from Superman’s, as she left the planet at an older age, resulting in a more emotional narrative.
Themes of Empowerment
Alcock expressed confidence that the film’s themes would resonate with audiences. She stated, “There’s a real optimism within this story that hopefully audiences can walk away and feel as though they can take back control.” She emphasized the importance of portraying flawed characters, noting that Kara reflects real human experiences.
Complex Characterization
Gillespie highlighted the complexity of the character, aiming to present a relatable narrative. He remarked, “In this, you see a complicated, flawed person who’s going through trauma and doesn’t have all the answers.” He appreciated the creative freedom afforded by Gunn and Safran, allowing the team to explore a more authentic portrayal of the character.
Supergirl is set to premiere in theaters on Friday. For further details, visit Hollywood Reporter.
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Published on 2026-06-23 21:30:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk