Following the box office disappointment of their latest feature, Justice League, Variety reports that Warner Bros. is in the process of shifting and restructuring their DC Films division. The outlet reveals that current head of DC Films, Jon Berg, will be shifted to a different position in the studio, working as a production partner alongside IT producer Roy Lee.
“This is something that Jon approached me about six months ago, and he expressed his goal was to ultimately be a producer at the studio,” Warner Bros. Pictures Group President Toby Emmerich told Variety. “I first met Jon when, as a producer, he brought ‘Elf’ to New Line, which remains one of the best and most evergreen titles in the library. We’re thrilled that Jon is partnering with Roy and anticipate their company being a valuable source of movies for Warner Bros. and New Line.”
A replacement for Berg is in the works and that person will continue to work alongside DC CCO Geoff Johns. The outlet also reports that Warner Bros. is considering moving their DC Films under their main production arm, making it no longer a separate division of the studio, similar to how the X-Men films are set up at 20th Century Fox and unlike Marvel Studios at Disney. Variety reports the overhaul of DC Films is expected to happen by January.
The decision for restructuring comes after Justice League has brought in just $572 million worldwide, making it the lowest grossing film in the DCEU by almost $100 million. Troubles on Justice League first began as an early cut of the film by Zack Snyder was screened for studio executives (which we now know DID feature the famous black suit for Superman) who were reportedly alarmed by its dark tone, which had been a major criticism of Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.
WB reportedly doesn’t consider Justice League a failure, however, as it successfully introduced audiences to Ezra Miller’s The Flash and Jason Momoa’s Aquaman, both of which have their own films in the works. The Aquaman solo film is set to arrive in theaters on December 21, 2018 while The Flash movie will reportedly bring Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and Ben Affleck’s Batman back together for an adaptation of the “Flashpoint” storyline. Affleck, however, is not expected to star in director Matt Reeves’ upcoming Batman feature film, which will reportedly have all-new talent.
Who would you like to see in charge of DC Films for Warner Bros.? Sound off in the comments below!
