Marvel and DC have competed against each other in the comic book arena, but James Gunn, the co-CEO of DC Studios, has a unique take on the rivalry between the two iconic comic book franchises and shares his thought on the two brands.
James Gunn’s tenure as a Marvel Cinematic Universe director is coming to a close as the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 premiered in theaters this weekend. Now, he can fully focus on his work as the creative mind behind the new DC Universe. And, unlike others, Gunn has the unique experience of concurrently working as a director for Marvel and DC. His tenure at Marvel Studios spans 11 years and three Guardians of the Galaxy movies while also making his DC debut with 2021’s Suicide Squad.
The director sheds light on what fans believe is a rivalry between the two brands, claiming that it’s a “weird belief” that the company companies hate each other and that it’s good for the superhero genre that there’s two brands going at it.
“It’s not odd. It isn’t odd at all, not to me,” Gunn said in an interview with Yahoo Entertainment when asked about juggling two jobs at Marvel and DC. “I understand how it appears, but I’m just busy cause I’m working two jobs at one time. But it’s not odd.”
“People have this weird belief that Marvel and DC hate each other or somehow are polar opposites,” Gunn adds. “But it’s just not the truth. I mean, listen, man, our job is the same. We want to get people into the theaters to see movies. That’s what matters. And I think that we work together to do that.”
“And the more good Marvel movies are, the better it is for DC movies. The more good DC movies, the better it is for Marvel movies.”
Gunn explains that the competition between Marvel and DC isn’t like sports rivalries such as the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.
“There’s not only one winner,” Gunn said. “There can be two winners because it matters who goes to see your movies and who enjoys ’em.”
It was initially announced back in October that Gunn and Peter Safran will lead the newly formed DC Studios. The pair have since confirmed their plans for a new interconnected DC Universe that will span movies, TV, and video games, which will kick off with the first chapter, Gods and Monsters.
Gunn revealed that it was Kevin Feige whom he first called when he took the job at DC. Feige also supports Gunn’s new job at DC and said he will be the first to line up to see the director’s new films.
“Not only do I love Kevin [Feige], he was the first person I told after I did the deal with DC (John Cena was the second),” Gunn said. “Contrary to popular belief, a dollar less for Marvel is not a dollar more for DC. DC and Marvel have the common goal of keeping the theater-going experience vibrant and alive!”
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 is currently showing in theaters and on IMax.
