Kevin Feige Had A Surprising Reaction To James Gunn Becoming Head Of DC
Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige says he is excited to see James Gunn as the head of DC's cinematic universe.
News broke Tuesday that James Gunn will be heading up the DC cinematic universe for Warner Bros. Discovery alongside producer Peter Safran. During the world premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Marvel president Kevin Feige spoke with Deadline about James Gunn’s new role in the rival superhero studio. The Marvel president doesn’t seem too bothered about Gunn working for the competition.
“Well, he has got a lot of work to do for Marvel between now and May, which he’s well aware of. But after that, I’ll be first in line to see anything he does.”
Kevin Feige and James Gunn worked to develop the fan-favorite Guardians of the Galaxy franchise for Disney/Marvel. The franchise is beloved by most fans of the MCU, with many still proclaiming that the first Gunn Guardians of the Galaxy in 2014 is their favorite Marvel film.
However, the relationship between Kevin Feige and James Gunn ran into a rough patch after Gunn was fired from Disney/Marvel due to the director’s insensitive tweets years ago. After the director’s exit from Disney/Marvel, many studios were reportedly pitching projects to him. Gunn eventually signed on to direct a new installment of Suicide Squad for Warner Bros. and DC.
The Suicide Squad was a box office disappointment, grossing only $168.7 million against a reported production budget of $185 million. Despite the low box office return, Warner Bros. continued their working relationship with Gunn, which led to the critically acclaimed Peacemaker series on HBO Max. Meanwhile, Kevin Feige and James Gunn reunited to develop a third installment of the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise.
At San Diego Comic-Con, Kevin Feige and James Gunn reiterated that the third Guardians film will be the last one directed by Gunn. The director also stated that the third Guardians film would see the end of many fan-favorite characters. While Disney and Marvel have not divulged why Gunn has decided to step away from the franchise, fans have speculated whether the director’s current deal with Warner Bros. had something to do with it.
James Gunn and his The Suicide Squad producer Peter Safran were then named co-chairmen and CEOs of DC studios. The announcement definitely casts somewhat of a lingering shadow over the James Gunn and Kevin Feige-produced Guardians 3, slated for 2023. One big question on many fans’ minds is whether Gunn would address his involvement with DC during the press run for Guardians 3.
It probably wouldn’t be too crazy to believe Kevin Feige would allow James Gunn to answer DC questions while promoting the next Guardians movie. Feige has shown in the past that while DC and Warner Bros. are his most fierce competition, he respects and enjoys their work. His comments at the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever world premiere prove that he respects all superhero material, whether it’s from Marvel or DC.
And who knows, maybe Kevin Feige and James Gunn will work together again someday. We have seen in the past that Feige likes to think outside the box. Feige may be inclined to produce a DC project for Gunn if the circumstances see fit.
