Minecraft has achieved remarkable success as a cultural phenomenon, whereas the auteur-driven film Mickey 17 has not reached similar heights. In light of this, the leading executives at Warner Bros. Pictures are strategically focusing on leveraging franchise popularity to ensure they can maintain a balance between innovative projects and established franchises. With the anticipation building around next week’s release of Sinners, Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy are optimistic that Ryan Coogler’s atmospheric vampire film will significantly contribute to ticket sales for their summer lineup, especially as they gear up for the highly awaited Superman directed by James Gunn.

During an engaging interview with Deadline, De Luca expressed his enthusiasm for the impending release of the DC Studios film. “I have a deep appreciation for Superman. James Gunn has truly outdone himself. The film is infused with his signature blend of heart and humor, and the action sequences are nothing short of breathtaking. It embodies the Superman character I cherished during my childhood, which evokes strong emotions when I view it. The film is visually stunning, epic in scope, and packed with emotional depth. The performances are exceptional. For me, it’s a definitive five-star movie, and I eagerly await the moment when the world gets to witness it. Yes, our excitement for Superman is palpable; James has really nailed it.”

De Luca further acknowledged that the film’s tone resonates with the legacy of Richard Donner’s iconic Superman films. “In essence, it is reminiscent of that spirit, yet it also embodies a grand scale of epic science fiction. There are elements reminiscent of what I adored in Guardians of the Galaxy, while remaining true to the core of Superman. The comic book inspirations that James draws from, such as All-Star Superman and others, are very much present. Ultimately, it serves as a heartfelt tribute to what has allowed Superman to endure and captivate audiences for nearly a century. He has artfully integrated all these elements.”

The executives were also probed about Matt Reeves’ highly anticipated sequel to Batman, but they couldn’t provide substantial updates, emphasizing that the project is currently under the direction of Reeves and DC Studios. “We’re not deeply involved in the Batman developments,” Abdy explained. “It’s primarily James [Gunn] and Peter Safran who oversee DC. While we do maintain some collaborative efforts with Matt Reeves, Peter and James fully recognize his prowess as a writer-director in his own right, and they understand that the project will materialize when he has crafted his finest Batman script and is prepared to move forward.”

If you’re eager for more updates from io9, find out when to anticipate the latest releases from Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek, discover what lies ahead for the DC Universe in film and television, and gather all the essential information about the future of Doctor Who.