Did DC Really Try to Lure Kevin Feige Away from Marvel Before Hiring James Gunn?

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In our upcoming discussion, let’s consider an age-old proverb that may significantly influence the narrative: “If you can’t outdo them, team up with them.” As the clock strikes Superman in this weekend’s 2025 movie schedule, the longstanding competition between DC and Marvel could potentially reignite. While this development undeniably benefits James Gunn, it may bring a setback for those who attempted to persuade Marvel Studios’ architect, Kevin Feige, to switch allegiances from Marvel to DC Films.

According to a summary provided by The Wall Street Journal, there was an unexpected development in Warner Bros.’ struggles with its iconic comic book film franchise. It seems that, following the turbulent release of Justice League in 2017, the upper management decided to adopt this particular strategy.

Shortly thereafter, representatives from Warner discussed the possibility of Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios, switching allegiances, but these discussions ultimately proved unsuccessful. (People familiar with the situation confirmed this.)

It’s clear to everyone that those discussions didn’t succeed, and I suspect they never truly gained traction or presented a promising future. During this period, Mr. Feige was in the midst of his successful run as President of Marvel Studios, leading up to Avengers: Endgame, which was released in 2019. For clarity, in 2017, Marvel Studios had three films released: Spider-Man: Homecoming, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, and Thor: Ragnarok.

Transferring to DC Films might be considered a sideways step, carrying enormous anticipations. However, James Gunn’s elevation to co-CEO of DC Films alongside producer Peter Safran is essentially a promotion, given that he was merely in charge of a specific segment within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Almost didn’t come to pass, as James Gunn initially declined Superman to focus on The Suicide Squad. However, his perspective changed, resulting in the blockbuster film where David Corenswet makes his debut as Superman and a chance for revitalization of the struggling franchise. Revitalization, though challenging, could be seen as an uphill battle, with the degree of difficulty differing based on individual opinions regarding financial success.

With HBO Max starting at just $9.99 a month, you’ll find yourself in a conundrum of too much Superman content! The newly rebranded streaming service continues to uphold its reputation for an extensive library of DC Comics adaptations. From classics like Superman: The Movie to lesser-known gems such as My Adventures with Superman, there’s something for every fan. And if you want to elevate your experience, consider upgrading to their premium, ad-free tiers. Don’t miss out on this deal!

According to estimates, the production budget for the film is around $225 million. However, director James Gunn has downplayed the supposed target gross of $700 million. On the other hand, initial expectations in Warner Bros.’ boardroom are set more conservatively at $500 million. This figure could potentially increase due to HBO Max subscribers eagerly anticipating new offerings from James Gunn, such as Peacemaker and The Suicide Squad.

In another universe where Kevin Feige had followed Joss Whedon’s path and defected, the budget for the movie could have been larger, along with the audience’s anticipation. Fortunately, it’s been quite some time since the Justice League disaster, so Superman now has a real chance of surpassing the $500 million mark at the box office.

Certainly, it’s possible that the issues leading up to DCU Chapter 1: “Gods and Monsters,” which James Gunn has attempted to rejuvenate, may still linger in people’s minds. We’ll find out soon how well Truth, Justice, and the Kryptonian way resonate with audiences as Superman is currently playing in cinemas this weekend.

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2025-07-11 18:37