Superman, Batman, and the other DC characters are about to have a new leader once again.
On Monday, Skydance Motion Picture Group revealed that James Gunn and Peter Safran are resigning from their positions as co-chief executives of DC Studios after four years at the helm. Despite their first film, Superman, only hitting theaters last year, their tenure with DC has come to an unexpected conclusion.
Initially, Gunn and Safran managed to remain after Skydance’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The merger with Paramount Pictures was finalized just as DC’s Clayface made its debut.
However, it has become evident that Gunn and Safran will not continue after the merger. Skydance chairman and CEO David Ellison is now looking to Jeremy Latcham, a seasoned professional from Marvel Studios, to guide DC into its next phase.
“James and Peter ushered in a new era for DC Studios and navigated it through a time of significant change, resetting the foundation and developing a lineup we are extremely proud of,” Ellison stated.
“We are thankful for their enthusiasm, contributions, and dedication to this iconic brand.”
Director James Gunn attends the Superman fan event in London’s Leicester Square on July 2, 2025. (ate Green/Getty Images)
Transition begins on Dec. 1
The transition will commence on December 1. However, a substantial array of projects already in various stages of production will ensure that Gunn and Safran’s influence will linger at DC Studios for some time.
Gunn, who helmed Superman, is currently finalizing the post-production of the sequel, Man of Tomorrow. Other forthcoming releases from DC Studios include the series The People v. Gorilla Grodd and The Batman Part II.
Unfortunately, the decade-long planning initiated by Gunn and Safran will not come to fruition. Their leadership has been marked by unique comic book adaptations and ambitious genre explorations, such as Clayface, which blended superhero elements with horror.
Earlier this year, the film Supergirl underperformed, representing a significant setback in just their second release.
Latcham will assume the positions of president and chief creative officer at DC Studios, reporting to Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein, co-chairs of Skydance Motion Picture Group.
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Latcham has been a prominent executive for Marvel films, including the initial phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with titles like Iron Man and The Avengers. He also collaborated with Gunn and Safran on Guardians of the Galaxy.
‘My experience at DC Studios has been challenging’: Gunn
Following the announcement of their exit, both Gunn and Safran shared a joint statement praising DC Studios and specifically Latcham. However, in a personal message on Instagram, Gunn alluded to some challenges he faced while directing at the studio.
“What only my closest associates have known over the last four years is that my time at DC Studios has been quite trying,” Gunn expressed, referencing the “corporate nature of the job at times” and the need to focus on projects that did not inspire him creatively.
“So yes, I will miss the people I worked with, and I will miss being the co-caretaker of these incredible characters, but I am also immensely relieved and excited to return to pure filmmaking.”