Los Angeles, CA – March 31, 2025 – Warner Bros. Discovery is grappling with a leadership shakeup as CEO David Zaslav reportedly meets with candidates to replace current Warner Bros. studio heads Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy, according to a report by The Hollywood Reporter. The news has sparked intense speculation in Hollywood, with industry insider Jeff Sneider (@TheInSneider) weighing in on X, calling the situation a “mess” and emphasizing the need for “fresh blood” to steer the studio out of its current predicament.
What’s the point of even having a spokesman if the press doesn’t believe them? This whole thing is a mess, and if it isn’t, it doesn’t matter, since the PERCEPTION of a mess is what counts. Can’t have that… time for fresh blood. Not the same folks on the bench, either. https://t.co/52CNOLMqtN
— Jeff Sneider (@TheInSneider) March 30, 2025
Sneider’s post, which quotes THR’s initial report, highlights the growing perception of instability at Warner Bros. “What’s the point of even having a spokesman if the press doesn’t believe them?” Sneider wrote, pointing to a lack of trust in the studio’s public statements. He stressed that the “perception of a mess” is what matters most in Hollywood, where reputation can make or break a studio’s standing. Sneider also cautioned against recycling the “same folks on the bench,” urging Zaslav to bring in entirely new leadership to restore confidence.
The potential ousting of De Luca and Abdy comes after a string of box office disappointments, including Robert De Niro’s crime drama Alto Knights, which Zaslav personally greenlit in 2022. The film, with a budget exceeding $45 million, grossed a dismal $5.1 million worldwide, marking it as one of the year’s biggest flops, as reported by Variety. Sources on X have pointed out that many of Warner Bros.’ recent underperforming films were already in development before De Luca and Abdy took over, but the duo has still faced criticism for failing to turn the tide. Variety also noted that morale at the studio is “dangerously low,” with industry rumors suggesting that Peter Safran, co-chairman of DC Films alongside James Gunn, could be a contender to take over if De Luca and Abdy are replaced.
Warner Bros. has had some successes, such as Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, but high-profile misfires like Furiosa and Juror No. 2 have intensified scrutiny on the studio’s leadership. With upcoming projects like James Gunn’s Superman and Paul Thomas Anderson’s $140 million One Battle After Another on the horizon, Zaslav’s next move will be critical in determining Warner Bros.’ future in an increasingly competitive industry.
