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In a significant development for the comic-book film industry, James Gunn and Peter Safran are stepping down as co-chief executives of DC Studios. The change takes effect on 1 December 2026, almost four years after the pair assumed control of the division to considerable fanfare.
Skydance, which now oversees DC Studios following its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, has appointed former Marvel Studios executive Jeremy Latcham as president and chief creative officer. Latcham will lead the company’s film, television and animation slate, reporting to the co-chairs of Skydance’s motion picture group.
Latcham is a seasoned industry figure. He joined Marvel in 2004 and rose to senior vice-president of production and development, working closely with Kevin Feige. His credits include Iron Man, The Avengers, Guardians Of The Galaxy, on which he collaborated with Gunn, and several other major titles.
During their tenure, Gunn and Safran oversaw the release of three films,Superman, Supergirl and Clayface, along with three live-action television series: The Penguin, the second season of Peacemaker, and Lanterns. Superman provided a successful relaunch, Supergirl proved a critical and commercial disappointment, while Clayface has earned strong reviews and is performing profitably at the box office. The duo had also mapped out an ambitious slate of projects spanning the next decade.
They will not sever ties with DC entirely. Gunn remains attached to the Superman sequel Man of Tomorrow, currently in post-production and scheduled for release next year, as well as the television spin-off The People v. Gorilla Grodd. Both he and Safran continue as producers on The Batman: Part II, due in 2028. Gunn has also confirmed he is writing one further, as-yet-unannounced DC film. The characters and foundations they established are expected to continue under the new leadership.
Skydance chairman and chief executive David Ellison and co-chief executive Ynon Kreiz praised the outgoing pair for launching a new era and resetting the studio’s foundations. Gunn and Safran, for their part, expressed pride in their achievements and welcomed Latcham, describing him as a long-time creative collaborator from their Marvel days. Latcham himself called the opportunity to steward DC’s iconic characters “a massive responsibility”.
The departure comes against the backdrop of Skydance’s takeover. Earlier signs had suggested the duo enjoyed the confidence of the new ownership, including a visit by Ellison to the set of Man of Tomorrow and briefings on their long-term plans. Industry observers are therefore divided on whether the move was entirely voluntary. Gunn has since acknowledged that the corporate side of the executive role could be “trying”.
With Gunn and Safran returning to full-time creative work, attention now turns to how Latcham will shape the next chapter for one of Hollywood’s most valuable franchises.
Source: THR
