In the wake of the shelving of “Batgirl” and Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav seeking new leadership for the DC universe, DC Films president Walter Hamada has allegedly come to the verge of exiting the studio.
According to THR, Hamada has consulted with counsel and has now agreed to remain in his post at least until the October 21st release of the “Black Adam” film. A source says: “He’s pausing. The decision has not been made to make this adversarial, yet.”
Hamada assumed his role in 2018 in the wake of the failure of “Justice League”. He was key in bringing James Gunn on board for “The Suicide Squad” and “Peacemaker,” along with giving the go ahead on Todd Phillips’ “Joker” and Matt Reeves’ “The Batman”.
A source for the trade alleges Warner Bros. Pictures Group co-chairpersons and CEOs Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy, currently overseeing DC until Zaslav settles on new leadership, informed Hamada of the “Batgirl” shelving at a recent “Black Adam” test screening.
Hamada was reportedly upset at not being consulted and concerned about the impact on those involved in making the film. Then, before talent and their representatives had been informed of the decision, the New York Post broke the story.