DC hit with major layoffs, DC Universe probably dead

Next weekend, fans will come together (virtually, of course) to celebrate all things DC at the DC FanDome. This brings the party down a bit…

The Hollywood Reporter has it that WarnerMedia has been hit with major layoffs, particularly among arms of the company that deal with DC comics, movies and characters. In fact, fully a third of the editorial staff at DC Comics is being let go, including high-profile figures like editor-in-chief Bob Harris, senior VP of publishing strategy and support services Hank Kanalz, VP of marketing and creative services Jonah Weiland, VP global publishing initiatives and digital strategy Bobbie Chase, senior story editor Brian Cunningham, and executive editor Mark Doyle.

And other groups seem like they’re being phased out completely. DC Direct, which has been selling DC merch for 22 years, is being shuttered. And streaming service DC Universe, which features shows like Harley Quinn and Doom Patrol, is losing “the majority of the staff.”

In the case of DC Direct, THR’s sources think the dissolution of the brand has to do with Warner Bros. Consumer Products getting more involved in selling DC merch. Similarly, the writing has been on the wall for DC Universe for a while now. Many of its popular original shows are also available on WarnerMedia’s streaming service HBO Max, the second season of Stargirl will be airing on The CW only, and it sounds like the high-profile Snyder Cut will only be available on HBO Max. “DC Universe was DOA as soon as the AT&T merger happened,” said one source.

DC Universe always seemed a little too niche of a service to me, and now that HBO Max is around to absorb its programming, redundant. In the end, I think that’ll be better for users who now have fewer streaming services to manage, but I feel for everyone losing their jobs, especially now.

The layoffs come at an odd time, since just next weekend WarnerMedia is putting on a big event called DC Fandome, featuring a new trailer for Wonder Woman 1984, info about the Snyder Cut, panels with cast members from shows like The Flash and Watchmen, and much more. DC Comics is trying to get people hyped with these “suit up” videos with people like the Rock, Gal Gadot and Ezra Miller:

And now all the fans have to (virtually) attend the August 22 event knowing that a ton of DC employees have been laid off…kind of puts a damper on the celebrations.

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h/t The A.V. Club