Image Source: The Hollywood Reporter
James Gunn and Peter Safran are stepping down from their roles as co-CEOs of DC Studios, marking a surprising leadership change at one of Hollywood’s most closely watched entertainment divisions. Their exits are expected to take effect on December 1, 2026, with former Marvel executive Jeremy Latcham appointed as the studio’s new president and chief creative officer.
The announcement comes after Skydance assumed control of the division through its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. Gunn and Safran had been widely viewed as secure under the new structure, making the leadership shakeup particularly unexpected for DC fans and industry observers.
James Gunn Exit Sends Shockwaves Through DC Studios
Gunn and Safran took charge of DC Studios four years ago with a mission to unite the brand under a single creative vision. During their tenure, the pair helped oversee a new film and television slate designed to move DC beyond the long shadow of the Zack Snyder era.
Their period in charge produced three feature films: Superman, Supergirl and Clayface. The television lineup also included The Penguin, the second season of Peacemaker and Lanterns. The duo had also developed an ambitious slate of projects intended to shape DC storytelling for years to come.
In a statement, Skydance chairman and CEO David Ellison and co-CEO Ynon Kreiz praised the outgoing executives for helping transform the division.
“James and Peter launched a new era for DC Studios and led it through a period of real transformation,” the executives said, adding that they were grateful for the pair’s “passion, contributions and commitment” to the brand.
Jeremy Latcham Takes Over as Creative Chief
Jeremy Latcham brings extensive superhero experience to the role. He was one of the earliest employees of Marvel Studios, joining the company in 2004 and eventually becoming senior vice president of production and development. He worked closely with Marvel chief Kevin Feige and earned credits on major projects including Iron Man, The Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: Age of Ultron and Spider-Man: Homecoming.
Latcham also has a longstanding professional relationship with James Gunn. The two worked together on Guardians of the Galaxy, the 2014 Marvel film that established Gunn as a major blockbuster filmmaker.
In his new position, Latcham will oversee DC’s film, television and animation slate. His responsibilities will include the creative pipeline, production, talent and long-term strategy. He will report to Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein, co-chairs of Skydance Motion Picture Group.
“DC’s pantheon of characters is among the most iconic in American popular culture,” Latcham said. He described the opportunity to lead the studio as a “massive responsibility” and said his goal was to excite longtime fans while introducing DC’s timeless characters to a new generation.
What Happens to Gunn and Safran’s DC Projects?
Although they are leaving the executive suite, Gunn and Safran are not completely departing the DC universe. Gunn remains involved with the Superman sequel Man of Tomorrow, which is in post-production and planned for release next year. He is also connected to the television spinoff The People v. Gorilla Grodd.
Both executives will remain producers on The Batman: Part II, currently planned for 2028. Their departure is therefore expected to shift their focus back toward creative work rather than corporate management.
Gunn previously acknowledged that the executive side of the job had been challenging. In a social media post discussing his time at DC, he described the role as “trying, to say the least,” while thanking Safran for handling much of the corporate responsibility.
Why the DC Studios Leadership Change Matters
The transition raises important questions about the future of the DC slate. Gunn and Safran began strongly with the launch of a new Superman movie, but the subsequent performance of Supergirl was described as a major critical and commercial setback. Meanwhile, Clayface has reportedly received strong reviews and performed well financially.
Industry observers will now be watching to determine whether Gunn and Safran chose to move on or were pushed out during the corporate transition. The change could affect the studio’s creative priorities, release plans and approach to connecting films, television and animation.
For now, the outgoing leaders say they are proud of the foundation they built and confident in Latcham’s ability to guide DC’s next chapter. The studio’s future will depend on whether the new leadership can preserve that momentum while offering a fresh direction for its iconic heroes and villains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are James Gunn and Peter Safran leaving DC Studios?
The source report confirms that both executives are stepping down from their co-CEO roles, but it does not definitively state whether they resigned or were removed. They are expected to return their full attention to creative projects.
Who is replacing James Gunn and Peter Safran?
Former Marvel executive Jeremy Latcham has been appointed president and chief creative officer of DC Studios.
Will James Gunn still work on DC projects?
Yes. Gunn remains involved with Man of Tomorrow, The People v. Gorilla Grodd and other creative projects, including the broader DC slate.
What projects did Gunn and Safran oversee?
Their tenure included Superman, Supergirl, Clayface, The Penguin, Peacemaker season two and Lanterns.
