Zaslav Faces Fan Backlash After Praising Gunn in Farewell Comment
David Zaslav praised James Gunn in a comment on the filmmaker’s farewell post after Gunn and Peter Safran left DC Studios. Fans responded with criticism, with some blaming Zaslav for the shakeup and others thanking him for putting the pair in charge.
David Zaslav drew online criticism after praising James Gunn in a comment on the filmmaker’s Instagram farewell following Gunn’s departure from DC Studios. Some fans blamed the former Warner Bros. Discovery CEO for the shakeup.
Gunn and Peter Safran’s departure from the studio became public Monday. Gunn posted a message expressing gratitude for his time leading DC Studios, while acknowledging that he “dislike[d] the at-times corporate nature of the job.”
Zaslav responded with praise. “We’re all grateful you took the job, James,” he wrote. “You’re an extraordinary leader and a great creative, and your storytelling and creative vision for DC was magical.”
Fans split over Zaslav’s message
Zaslav also pointed to a coming film. “Can’t wait for everyone to see the exceptional ‘Man of Tomorrow’ … Best time together James,” he wrote.
Gunn appeared to welcome the comment, liking it. Some followers, however, accused Zaslav of contributing to the events that ended Gunn’s DC Studios role.
“This is your fault,” one follower wrote. Another said, “EXCUSE ME? This is all your fault for selling Warner Bros. knowing what was gonna happen. Spare us, please.”
Other replies included “F–k you” and “Bro thinks he’s on the team.” One fan offered a different view, crediting Zaslav for putting Gunn and Safran in charge.
“We are sorry for how rude we were during your time,” the fan wrote. “We want you back. You gave us the DCU we know and will always love.”
Zaslav’s role in the sale
Zaslav led Warner Bros. Discovery’s corporate strategy and the competitive bidding process that resulted in Paramount Skydance buying the business for $110 billion.
In October, on the eve of the Skydance merger, Zaslav bid farewell to staff. “For me, it’s been a great honor to be alongside all of you,” he wrote, adding that he hoped employees took pride in what they had built and their role in the company’s history.
“I can’t wait to see what you do in the years ahead. I’m so grateful for all these years at Warner Bros. Discovery,” Zaslav added.
