Warner Bros. DiscoveryCEO David Zaslav has not been shy about expressing his opinions about the current unfavorable state of the DC universe. Zaslav revealed earlier this month that the studio has a 10-year plan for DC, which in many ways mirrors Marvel Studios' playbook, and it looks as if the studio may have found their Kevin Feige-like figure to guide the ship.
As reported byDeadline, producer Dan Lin is one of the prominent names in the conversation to take over the coveted top spot to oversee DC film and television forWarner Bros. Discovery. Lin is well-known for his emblematic production work on several high-profile franchises such asIt,The Lego Movie, andSherlock Holmes. Developing a sustainable and functioning franchise is something Lin is familiar with, which makes him an attractive target for Zaslav and Warner Bros. Discovery.
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No negotiations have taken place, and no official offer has surfaced, but the well-known producer appears to be interested in the business venture. The biggest obstacle standing in the way of the proposed deal is Lin’s Rideback production company, which has ties to several other studios. For Lin to fully take charge ofDC film and television for Warner Bros. Discovery, the studio might have to buy him out to severe his involvement with other projects before moving forward.
There was some speculation that director Todd Phillips could be in line to take the coveted position, but the director’s focus is elsewhere and far away from such responsibilities. Instead, Phillips is preparing to begin the early development stages of his highly-anticipated filmJoker: Folie à Deux, a sequel to the Oscar-winning Warner Bros. filmJoker, which starred Joaquin Phoenix. The project looks to be a big undertaking with the addition of Lady Gaga to the cast in an undisclosed role, so it is understandable that overseeing the revamping of DC is currently not in the cards for Phillips.
The current trajectory of the DC cinematic universe feels muddled, and it will not become clearer until someone is brought on board to guide the ship. This year looked to be significant forWarner Bros. Discoveryafter the release of"The World Needs Heroes"promo teaser, which highlighted the arrival of four high-profile films. Unfortunately,The BatmanandBlack Adamare all DC fans get this year due to the pushback ofThe Flash,Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom, andShazam! Fury of the Godsinto next year. If Lin enters the role, it will be interesting to see what direction he takes to put DC back on track.
