Warner Bros. is shaking up its DC Comics movie business after the poor reception that Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice received.
The Hollywood Reporter has the details:
The Burbank-based studio is making changes to the way it handles its DC Entertainment-centered films, giving oversight of the feature projects to a pair of executives and creating a dedicated division for the films. Current exec vp Jon Berg and Geoff Johns, DC’s CCO who successfully launched the comics label’s foray into television, will co-run DC Films, according to multiple sources. Warner Bros. declined to comment.
Berg was already working on BvS, Suicide Squad, Wonder Woman and Justice League. He also is a conduit to Ben Affleck, having worked with the actor-filmmaker on Argo and Live by Night, the crime thriller Affleck recently wrapped as director, writer and star for the studio.
With Berg and Johns, Warners is attempting to unify the disparate elements of the DC movies with a seasoned film exec and a comics veteran that together can hopefully emulate the way Marvel Studios has produced its films under the vision of president Kevin Feige. But sources also say Warners still wants to remain filmmaker-driven. As part of the new job, Berg and Johns will become producers on the Justice League movies.
The Hollywood Reporter notes that the under performing box office numbers and negative reception to Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice are the reasons for these executive changes. Warner Bros. also recently appointed Ben Affleck as Executive Producer to strengthen Justice League: Part One, and more changes at DC Films are expected.
Warner Bros. is also currently working on the third act of Suicide Squad, which just under major reshoots. The Hollywood Reporter’s sources say that it was Suicide Squad that escalated Johns’ involvement in DC movies and that he is involved in the movie’s post-production.
Geoff Johns’ new position will not interfere with his job as CCO at DC Comics, and he will still report to DC Entertainment president Diane Nelson.
SOURCE: The Hollywood Reporter
