Ava DuVernay has “opted to not renew” her overall deal with Warner Bros. Television following its expiration at the end of the month, TheWrap has learned.
The “Selma” director signed the multi-year agreement with WBTV back in 2018, which was estimated to be valued at around $100 million. The deal was struck with former WBTV Group chairman Peter Roth, who left the position in 2021.
Sources said that the decision to end the deal was mutual between WBTV and DuVernay and made prior to the start of the writers’ strike.
DuVernay, who is expected to focus on her current film slate, is currently in post-production on her film “Caste,” which she is directing. The film stars Vera Farmiga, Niecy Nash, Nick Offerman, Jon Bernthal, Audra McDonald and Connie Nielsen.
DuVernay has had a working relationship with WB since 2015, with Warner Horizon Scripted Television producing her OWN drama “Queen Sugar,” which ended last year after seven seasons.
Her other recent producing credits include “Naomi” for The CW, “When They See Us” for Netflix and “DMZ” for Max. She also has developed an untitled romantic drama for Starz starring Lauren Ridloff and Joshua Jackson.
Puck was the first to report the news.
