Mon Jul 14 06:10:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and rewritten news article based on the text provided:

**Summary:**

Before James Gunn was recruited to revamp the DC Universe, Warner Bros. tried to recruit Kevin Feige from Marvel Studios, president of Marvel Studios since 2008. The attempt to poach Feige occurred after the critical and financial disappointment of the 2017 “Justice League.” Talks with Feige ultimately failed, and Warner Bros. eventually hired James Gunn and Peter Safran to lead the DC reboot. Gunn’s “Superman” is about to be released, and will compete against Marvel’s Fantastic Four reboot, produced by Feige.

**News Article:**

**DC’s Secret Weapon: Before Gunn, Warner Bros. Made a Play for Marvel’s Kevin Feige**

Hollywood, CA – Before James Gunn was tapped to steer the ship of the DC Universe, Warner Bros. made a bold attempt to lure away the architect of Marvel’s success: Kevin Feige. According to a new report in the Wall Street Journal, executives at Warner Bros. met with Feige, president of Marvel Studios, in the wake of the disappointing 2017 “Justice League” film. The goal was to convince Feige to switch allegiances and bring his magic touch to the struggling DC Extended Universe (DCEU).

“Justice League” failed to meet expectations, earning only $660 million at the box office and garnering a dismal 39% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This performance fueled Warner Bros.’ search for a leader who could replicate the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

However, the talks with Feige ultimately “fizzled out,” and he remained firmly at the helm of Marvel Studios. The DCEU continued with films like “Aquaman” (the only DCEU film to top $1 billion), but the universe eventually fizzled out after Warner Bros. announced plans to reboot it. James Gunn and Peter Safran were brought on board to lead the new DC Universe (DCU).

Now, the first film of Gunn’s DCU, “Superman,” is hitting theaters this Friday. Early critical reception has been positive, with pre-release surveys suggesting a domestic opening of over $125 million. Ironically, it will face stiff competition from another highly anticipated superhero film: “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” produced by none other than Kevin Feige, is set to release on July 25.

Gunn and Safran’s vision for the DCU includes re-establishing iconic characters like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, and uniting them in a new “Justice League” film. The next project is “Peacemaker Season 2”, premiering August 21, and Supergirl arrives in June 2026. Whether their efforts will succeed in revitalizing the DC franchise remains to be seen.

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