Film Friday: James Gunn and Peter Safran's Jobs are Safe With New Owners Skydance/Paramount

Remember when Netflix was going to acquire Warner Brothers Discovery and the deal was all but done? Recall how Skydance/Paramount wouldn't quit trying to make itself the owner, and kept at it until Netflix said, "Screw it, we're out," and walked away, with Skydance/Paramount, "Winning?" Well, Skydance/Paramount has gotten past a bunch of legal questions and has maneuvered itself to being an even bigger entertainment company than ever, with the head  (David Ellison) being known as a bit of an asshole, much like his Father (a Reddit post from 12 years ago about Larry illustrates it's been this way for some time). I'm not saying that just because they're chummy with Donald Trump, the Ellisons just seem to have few fans, and many folks out there find them genuinely unpleasant. They've got a shiny new company added to their conglomerate, however, and within that company is another in the form of DC with all its comics and movies. Will the Ellisons care much about the comic-book aspect, or view it as such a tiny part of their portfolio that they let it keep chugging along (as long as it remains useful in some capacity)? I am unsure, but when it comes specifically to the DC Cinematic and television slate, nothing much is changing for now.

Yes, James Gunn and Peter Safran have been told they're welcome to keep doing what they're doing for the DCU and stay on board with SkyBrothers...Warnermount...whatever. There have been hit flicks (the latest, "Superman,"), and both the second season of, "Peacemaker," and debut season of, "Lanterns," generally have received glowing reviews (plus solid viewership). Yes, "Supergirl," was a bit of a flop, and this month's debut of, "Clayface," remains a big unknown factor in how well or poorly it could perform. However, Gunn and Safran are secure, at least, "Initially," as reports indicate--with who they report to being more of a question mark as WBD itself is seeing shakeups. I'd say the rest of 2026 and how the Superman sequel does in 2027 will determine a good deal of what exactly happens next in terms of how DC's cinematic and comic content is treated within the new SkyParaWarBroDiscovery Corp.

"Supergirl," Had a BAD First Weekend at the Box Office...

"Supergirl," is the second big film in James Gunn and Peter Safran's new take on the DC cinematic Universe. "Superman," did quite well, and the second season of, "Peacemaker," which altered its continuity to take place in the same universe, was a hoot as well. "Supergirl," earned raves for Milly Alcock's performance, muted praise for Jason Momoa's Lobo, and was otherwise given a critical, "Meh," by many outlets. It proceeded to land roughly in theaters.  I mean, it made less than, "Morbius," did in its opening weekend. "Supergirl," isn't the worst cinematic bomb ever despite dramatic headlines, but the indifference of reviewers and theatergoers is evident.

Some people have begun discussing whether a general toxicity in fandom is to blame. Other's have said it is proof female superheroes don't sell/Hollywood keeps failing them. Every superhero movie that struggles results in discussion of, "Superhero movie fatigue," and plenty of folks have already begun writing this off as, "Not a big deal." The argument already is going, "Supergirl was never a big thing, the real test is how that Green Lanterns show, and Clayface movie do!" which feels like a big example of, "Moving the goalposts," but whatever.

I do want to check out the new, "Supergirl," movie. That said,  just I didn't see the latest, "Superman," until it had been out a couple of weeks, and I had the chance to view it, that'll probably be the case with, "Supergirl," for me too. At least if I go in with average-to-low expectations, I may very well conclude that it is better than people have been saying. Sure sounds like I will have much of the theater to myself when I do make it over there.

A New, "Clayface," Mini-Series is Incoming

Update: 

A trailer for the movie just came out today as well and looks scary!

Original Post:

Clayface is a Batman villain I've always found fascinating. The most well-known version is actor Basil Karlo, a man so desperate for fame that he becomes a hideous monster inadvertently. It is quite tragic and some comic stories/shows have done a great job exploring Clayface as a character and what makes him, "Tick." There is a movie focused on the character coming this Fall (I hope it is good), and with that in mind, a profile-boosting mini-series has been announced, "Clayface: Celebrity Dirt." 

According to the announcement, this comic will feature the, "creative team of acclaimed horror writer Jude Ellison S. Doyle, artist Fran Galán, colorist Patricio Delpeche, and letterer Tom Napolitano. The six-issue Clayface comic miniseries follows the classic Batman villain as he escapes Arkham Towers, ready to stage his comeback, only to discover that someone else has stolen his name, his face, and his long-lost stardom." It is set to have a noir-ish vibe and be full of psychological horror and body horror--which makes perfect sense when we're talking about Clayface. I'm definitely interested in checking this out when it arrives in all finer comic shops this July.