James Gunn and Peter Safran Step Down as DC Studios Co‑CEOs

Gunn and Safran Leave DC Studios

On 9 November 2026, James Gunn and Peter Safran announced that they would no longer serve as co‑chief executive officers of Skydance’s DC Studios. Their final day in the role is scheduled for 1 December. The pair will remain attached to the studio as producers on several projects that are already in production. The decision follows a merger between Skydance and Warner Bros., which prompted a reshuffle of leadership at DC Studios. Skydance confirmed the change in a press release, naming former Marvel senior vice‑president of production and development Jeremy Latcham as the new president and chief creative officer. Both Gunn and Safran issued a joint statement, noting that they had worked closely with Latcham during their time at Marvel and that they look forward to his involvement in DC’s next chapter. Gunn also posted a personal message on Instagram, describing his tenure as “trying” at times because of the corporate nature of the job, but expressing pride in the work they had done.

Background

Gunn and Safran took the helm of DC Studios in 2022, when Skydance and Warner Bros. agreed to merge their film and television operations. They were tasked with unifying the DC brand under a single creative vision and rebuilding the studio’s slate. During their four‑year tenure, the duo oversaw the release of several high‑profile titles. These included the 2023 film *Superman*, the 2022 film *Clayface*, the television series *Peacemaker*, the upcoming *Man of Tomorrow* (the Superman sequel slated for 9 July 2027), and other projects such as *Creature Commandos*, *Lanterns* and *The Batman Part 2*. The partnership was praised by Skydance executives. Chairman and CEO David Ellison and Co‑CEO Ynon Kreiz issued a joint statement that highlighted the “real transformation” the studio underwent under Gunn and Safran, noting that they had “reset the foundation” and built a slate they were proud of.

Why it Matters

The departure of Gunn and Safran marks a significant shift for DC Studios. Their four‑year period saw a consolidation of the DC Universe (DCU) across film and television, with a focus on rebooting iconic characters such as Superman and expanding the franchise with new stories. The move also reflects broader changes within Warner Bros. following the Skydance‑Warner merger, which saw other executives, including Pam Abdy and Michael De Luca, leave the company. The leadership change at DC Studios is likely to influence the studio’s future creative direction and the development of its upcoming projects. Gunn’s statement that the role was “trying” and that he disliked the corporate aspects of the job suggests that the internal culture at DC Studios may have been a factor in the decision. However, both he and Safran remain attached to the studio as producers, ensuring continuity for projects such as *Man of Tomorrow* and *The Batman Part 2*.

What Happens Next

Skydance has confirmed that Jeremy Latcham will take over as president and chief creative officer on 1 December. His tenure at Marvel, which involved working on several major franchises, is anticipated to inject a new viewpoint into DC Studios. Gunn and Safran are set to remain as producers for the upcoming Superman follow-up, Man of Tomorrow, along with other currently active initiatives. Gunn has also indicated that he is writing at least one more DC film, though he has not yet disclosed details about the script. Skydance characterizes the changeover as seamless and cooperative, noting that the departing executives are dedicated to facilitating an effortless transfer of responsibilities. The studio’s new leadership will focus on building the next generation of DC storytelling while maintaining the commitments already in place.

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