DCFilms continues to be on the lookout for a new public figure who can operate the DCEU franchise and ensure a consistent creative vision as Kevin Feige did for Marvel Studios. Though Dan Lin was in contention for the role, it now appears that his talks with Warner Bros. Discovery have broken down, and he will not be taking the position on.
Lin was originally the topchoice to take on DC Film and Televisionover at Warner Bros. Discovery. DC Films has been led by Walter Hamada since 2018, but Hamada will reportedly be exiting the role following his dissatisfaction with new CEO David Zaslav’s handling ofBatgirl. Now,The Hollywood Reporterhas learned that Lin is no longer in the running to succeed Hamada.
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Talks with Lin broke down due to a number of factors. However, the chief reason was due to Lin’s commitment to his production company, Rideback, and his non-profit endeavor, Rideback Rise. Though negotiations went so far as to discuss Lin’s potential salary and vision for DC Films, Rideback was a sticking point for Warner Bros. Discovery. Reportedly, the company had even suggested taking an equity share in Lin’s companies, though its size was unclear.
Lin’s departure from the table sets Warner Bros. Discovery farther back on its timeline to secure the DCEU as a consistent brand. There had been speculation that Lin was planning ona newJustice Leaguefilmhad he taken on the role. Now, however, with the impending departure of Hamada and no clear successor on the table, Warner Bros. Discovery will likely make it their priority to seek a new head of DC Films.
Warner Bros. Discovery certainly seems to have its hands full with its current slate of DCEU films. Following its pushback of therelease dates ofAquaman and the Lost KingdomandShazam! Fury of the Gods,the only live-action DC film to release in theaters this year isBlack Adam,which hits theaters on October 21. That film seems like a safe enough bet, with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson headlining, it’s pretty much guaranteed to make a profit.
But the creative talent pool might be dwindling for the company. Themishandling ofBatgirlsent a wave of outrageand displeasure throughout the film community, meaning that fewer creatives will want to work with the company. The departure of Hamada and his public displeasure with the company, and this new development with Dan Lin, probably won’t help matters forDCFilms.
